Erving Goffman (1922-1982) was a major Canadian-America sociologist who played a main role in the development of Modern American sociology. He is considered one of the most influential sociologists of the 20th century. He is widely known and celebrated as a major figure in the development of symbolic interaction theory and for developing the dramaturgical perspective. Sociologist Erving Goffman in 1963 researched the idea of stigma and what it is like to be stigmatized a person.
Stigmatized people are those that do not have full social acceptance and are constantly striving to adjust their social identities: physically deformed people, mental patients, drug addicts, and prostitutes (Crossman). Goffman’s research heavily relies on autobiographies …show more content…
Goffman identifies three types of stigmas: stigma of character traits, physical stigma, and stigma of group identity. Goffman illustrates stigma of character traits are blemishes of individual character perceived as weak minded, and lack to success in life. Some of these traits are mental disorder, addiction to alcoholism and drugs, homosexuality and radical political behavior (Crossman). Furthermore, physical stigma refers to physical deformities of the body, such as having a growth deformity where a person was born only with one arm or someone without finger or a toe. Any deformities on a person’s body will characterize them in this type of stigma based on Goffman’s theory. While stigma of group identity is stigma that comes from being of a particular race, nation, …show more content…
Yet, Goffman discuses and shares a number of responses that stigmatized people can take. One example is undergoing plastic surgery to fix growth deformity. However, they still risk being exposed as a person who was formerly stigmatized. Stigmatized individuals can also turn to other stigmatized people for support, advice and coping. In addition, there are many clubs, groups, and national associations people with stigmas can seek help from and find a sense of
Stigmatized people are those that do not have full social acceptance and are constantly striving to adjust their social identities: physically deformed people, mental patients, drug addicts, and prostitutes (Crossman). Goffman’s research heavily relies on autobiographies …show more content…
Goffman identifies three types of stigmas: stigma of character traits, physical stigma, and stigma of group identity. Goffman illustrates stigma of character traits are blemishes of individual character perceived as weak minded, and lack to success in life. Some of these traits are mental disorder, addiction to alcoholism and drugs, homosexuality and radical political behavior (Crossman). Furthermore, physical stigma refers to physical deformities of the body, such as having a growth deformity where a person was born only with one arm or someone without finger or a toe. Any deformities on a person’s body will characterize them in this type of stigma based on Goffman’s theory. While stigma of group identity is stigma that comes from being of a particular race, nation, …show more content…
Yet, Goffman discuses and shares a number of responses that stigmatized people can take. One example is undergoing plastic surgery to fix growth deformity. However, they still risk being exposed as a person who was formerly stigmatized. Stigmatized individuals can also turn to other stigmatized people for support, advice and coping. In addition, there are many clubs, groups, and national associations people with stigmas can seek help from and find a sense of