What is stigma and which theorist is associated with stigma?

• A. Stigma is a genetic trait; associated with Darwin
• B. Stigma marks and discredits individuals; shapes self-perception and treatment; associated with Erving Goffman
• C. Stigma is only about disease labeling; associated with Foucault
• D. Stigma always improves patient care; associated with Mead

Answer: (B)

Stigma is a social process in which a trait or attribute marks a person as different and discredits them, shaping both how they perceive themselves and how others treat them. Erving Goffman is the theorist most closely associated with this concept, detailing how stigma can lead to a spoiled identity and discriminatory social interactions that influence self-perception and treatment in everyday life. This view emphasizes that stigma is not just about labeling, but about the power dynamics in social interactions that degrade and marginalize individuals. The other options miss the essential idea: stigma is not a genetic trait, nor is it accurately captured by a narrow focus on disease labeling or by claims that it universally improves patient care.