Theory of stigmatization (labeling). Good bad. Human behavior, actions

A popular theory of stigmatization arose in the twentieth century. Its supporters believe that in society there is a widespread mechanism of labeling certain social groups. With his help, most condemn those or other deviations from the generally accepted normal behavior.

Fundamentals of Theory

The causes of this phenomenon lie in the conflicts between people. The theory of stigmatization says that most determine norms, and violators of these norms impose a label (stigma). People who do not comply with generally accepted rules of conduct are considered deviants (deviants).

The theory of stigmatization was formed due to the works of several world-famous sociologists: Edwin Lemert, Howard Becker and Kai Erickson. All of them belonged to the same generation of scientists who worked in the first half of the 20th century. Erving Hoffman also made a great contribution to the development of the theory. The key feature of this teaching is the idea that there are no negative acts by nature. The internal content does not affect the evaluation in any way. Negative attitude depends only on those norms that society itself freely accepts.

Primary deviation

In sociology, a point of view has been adopted, according to which there are no "normal" and "abnormal" people. Moreover, each person is characterized by deviant behavior in any particular sphere. Therefore, there are no people with pathologies. Someone violates the rules of the road, someone does not pay taxes, someone hooliganism during football matches.

The theory of stigmatization identifies the so-called primary deviation. These are those violations of social norms that escape from the attention of law enforcement officers because of their frivolity and commonness. Moreover, the evaluation of a "good", "bad" act depends on many small things. For example, in some societies, women are not allowed to do what a man can do, while in other countries there are no such restrictions. Also, deviant behavior is often determined according to mass stereotypes. For example, in many countries, men are criticized for their effeminate look and image, although somewhere similar behavior is not forbidden. The criterion "good", "bad" is connected with the social environment of a person. Only depends on the morals of people living next door, it depends on whether the critic's behavior will follow.

Secondary deviation

Hanging a label on a person by a majority entails noticeable consequences for him. In response to the reaction of society, secondary deviant behavior arises. A person who receives a label becomes a drug addict, a criminal, a loafer for others, etc. This status suppresses any other individual personality characteristics. People who have long lived as branded begin to build their whole lives on the basis of this characteristic.

The theory of stigmatization also explains the typical behavior of those who are in a deviant group. Every day to feel the criticism of the rest of society is a huge stress. People with a negative label often turn away from friends, acquaintances and even relatives. Such a critical situation experiences all the social skills of the individual. What can a person do in this situation? As a rule, he unites in a deviant group with the same people.

Stigma and crime

Very clearly the principle of rallying works in a criminal world. People who are in this environment almost always become members of a huge group that opposes itself to the rest of the society.

Based on this pattern, some researchers believe that the growth of crime partly occurs and because society branded criminals, rejects them into a criminal niche and thereby prevents those who have returned to prison from returning to normal life. The theory of stigmatization in criminology today has many supporters. It is interesting that a similar rule leads to the emergence of youth subcultures and countercultures.

Life with a label

Group activities of stigmatized people can take a variety of forms. But in all of them there is a common similar unifying stimulus - the desire to find comrades in misfortune. It can be well-organized and even supported by the state and social services clubs of disabled people, the elderly, people suffering from obesity, etc.

Some of these circles can evolve into something more. For example, in many countries there are own national societies of anonymous alcoholics. They do not just unite people trying to fight their bad habits. Such societies offer their members a whole doctrine - a new way of life, necessary to bring their life back to normal.

Stigmatization in sociology can also occur on a national basis. In this case, people are often united according to the principle of neighborhood. In large cities, small national regions appear, most of whose population is in one or another diaspora.

"Understanding"

Often, social stigmatization leads to the fact that the imposed identity of a person may not coincide with the true identity. This discrepancy leaves a negative impression on the person. Such an antisocial person can expect support from only two groups of people. The first is those who have to live with the same stigma. About them it was discussed above.

But there is a second group. These are the so-called "understanding." Such people are considered "normal", the society treats them as their own. However, they do not want to label on the "lepers". On the contrary, "understanding" refers to the bearers of stigma with sympathy. With them, a person suffering from his lack, can feel comfortable. "Understanders" are not ashamed and do not force the outcast by the rest of society to control themselves.

Contacts with deviants

The phenomenon of "understanding" was especially interested in Erving Hoffman. He described this type of human relationship in detail in his book Stigma. According to his suggestion, in order to get closer to the marginal, an ordinary person needs to experience a serious shock - something that would allow him to look at those around him with an unfamiliar look.

Stigmatized with difficulty go on contact with people from someone else's circle. For example, a "bad" child, expelled from peer companies, is likely to snap at attempts to establish any relationship with him. This is a natural psychological defense against the environment of a largely hostile environment. Each antisocial person loses his or her communication skills over time. Gradually, it is increasingly difficult for him to find a common language with people. Therefore, even a friendly individual will have to wait for some time and try to show his sincerity. And only after that he will be able to enlist the trust of the stigmatized.

Thomas Scheff's Ideas

The idea of stigmatization was one of the most important in the scientific work of Thomas Scheff. Its main thesis is that the society establishes social control over its members , the main instruments of which are sanctions against those who deviated from the generally accepted norm. Sheff continued to search for his predecessors. He was significantly influenced by Becker's stigma theory.

At the same time, Scheff studied the phenomenon of hanging labels from his own perspective. Before that, he had studied the problem of mental diseases and their transition to interpersonal space. In fact, Scheff linked psychology and sociology.

Residual Deviation

In the work of Thomas Scheff, the theory of stigmatization has developed into the theory of residual deviation. Its author believed that many mental illnesses are the result of social reaction and choice of a person. Such a controversial statement is one of the postulates of critical social theory. The idea of Sheffa appeared after a rethinking of social norms.

Modern culture is characterized by the fact that all people within the same cultural space should share approximately the same way of thinking. These norms are fixed in the behavior of a person in childhood through education. In order to make the child socially adapted, parents instill in him all those views and habits that are considered necessary for a full life in society. A "bad" child may refuse to recognize these landmarks, and then he finds himself outside the circle of peer interaction. Exactly the same principle works with adults.

The nature of the deviations

In his books and articles, Scheff stressed that mental illness is just a reflection of the act of choosing values. And today this idea has many opponents. Sheff refused to recognize mental health as a physical fact. That is, "abnormality" is the same conscious choice as the habit of saying hello to familiar people.

The creator of the resonant theory paid special attention to the importance in social manipulation of the emotional factor. For example, children are constantly confronted with a discrepancy between what they want and what they are allowed and forbidden. It's their way of expressing their discontent that is crying. Gradually, children have to accept the standards of behavior that parents instill in them.

Deviations have their own clear boundaries, which separate it from the norm. In order to maintain this ratio, society constantly reminds itself of what is good and what is bad. For example, on television and in newspapers there are always references to thefts, murders and other crimes. People are reminded every day of the perversity of crime and the responsibility for violating laws.

At the same time, some sociologists today are trying to prove that society willfully or unwittingly maintains deviations, creating fertile ground for them. For example, prisons do not help a person to abandon their deviant behavior. On the contrary, the perpetrator finds a comfortable habitat in places of detention, which serves as a place of rallying people from the criminal world.

Stigma and emotions

In adults, pride and shame appear as emotions in relation to stigma . These natural reactions are a response to social sanctions. In this case, it is a matter of non-verbal daily encouragement and prohibitions. Sanctions can be imaginary. Regulators of shame and pride in a person are included and at the moment when he is alone and is not the object of direct criticism of society.

Shame creates another emotion - anger. Circulation of these two feelings goes in three stages. First, the social bond is destroyed, then communication breaks down, and finally, all this ends in a conflict between people. Many experts agree that this pattern is a vicious circle from which it is impossible to get out without changing one's own behavior. At the same time, an acute sense of shame often blocks the possibility of restoring the social connection between "normal" and stigmatized. Often it triggers an exclusion reaction.

The oppressed condition of the deviant

With stigmatization, a person who receives a label often experiences depression. Its root lies in the absence of reliable social ties. At the patient with depression of the person these contacts important for a high-grade life are destroyed. This state arises as a logical continuation of the alienation of stigmatized from the rest of society.

The fundamental feeling of an outcast person, as a rule, is shame, not anger or grief. Typical behavior features are an uncertain soft voice, avoidance of eye contact, anxiety, slowness and self-blame.