In this New Millennium there is no place for Stigmatization...

Stigmatization is a civil rights barrier, which either stifles or has stifled; many societal sub-cultural groups residing in today’s organizational and societal environments as a whole. Stigma is a harsh term “emanating from historical practices of literally branding members of castigated groups in order that they carry a visible sign of disgrace. The resultant brands or marks signaled the flawed, deviant nature of their bearers; all of the members of the society therefore knew of the individual’s degraded status” (Hinshaw, 2007; p. 23). 

 

Laws, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Act of 1972 and the American with Disabilities (ADA) Act of 1990, assist leaders with protecting members of society from discrimination, but not stigmatization.  Anti-stigma laws are limited and cannot directly change attitudes that produce stigmatizing behavior (Burris, 2006). There is a distinct difference between discrimination and stigmatization, whereas, the former refers to treatment and the latter references labeling.  

 

Stigmatic labeling is often based upon a kernel of truth, which is a small truism generalized as referring to the whole or the “All inclusive concept”, for example… Basketball players are tall; therefore, “All” basketball players must be tall. This generalized assumption based theory, triggers the stereotyping, separating and discriminating, which are the components of stigmatization (Corrigan, 2004; Link and Phelan, 2001).

 

“Fear of stigma-professional and personal is a major deterrent to receiving mental assist; lack of access is also significant” (Capella, 2008). Stigmatization blocks treatment of the sick, it is a contributing factor stifling advancement of productive individuals, decreases productivity and has no place in a global progressive society….

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References:

Burris, S. (2006). Stigma and the Law. The Lancet, 367, 529.

Capella University, Amended survey results, Joining Forces America (2008).  Community support for returning service members.

 Corrigan, Patrick (2004). How Stigma Interferes with Mental Health Care. American Psychologist, 59(7), 614-625.

 Hinshaw, Stephen, P. (2007). The Mark of Shame, Stigma of Mental Illness and an Agenda for Change. Oxford, NY: Oxford University Press, Inc.