Social stigma

A social stigma is a stigma in the form of a distinctive characteristic in a person which can cause or be the result of marginalisation when used as an insult by individuals or groups.

Related Topics:
Stigma - Marginalisation

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This means that its victims are mostly minorities which have a common characteristic which sets them apart from other members of society.

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The result is a vicious circle: marginalised groups are stigmatized, stigmatization leads to social exclusion and marginalised groups are formed.

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Examples of social stigmas are physical or mental handicaps and disorders, as well as homosexuality or affiliation with a specific nationality, religion or ethnicity (as is often the case for the Roma people).

Related Topics:
Handicap - Disorder - Homosexuality - Nationality - Religion - Ethnicity - Roma people

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