Answer to Question #265590 in Sociology for TLITLI

Question

The current Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the prevalent inequalities in the South African health system, the stigmatisation of persons who tested positive with the virus, the impact of the pandemic on the family, and the role of the media in societies across the globe.

• Define the sociological term 'stigma' and how it affects people experiencing an illness

Answer 1

 In Goffman's theory of social stigma, he refers to sociological stigma as an attribute, behavior, or reputation which is socially discrediting in a particular way: it causes an individual to be mentally classified by others in an undesirable, rejected stereotype rather than in an accepted, normal one like in scenarios as Covid-19 Positive.

Stigma can undermine social cohesion and prompt possible social isolation of groups, which might contribute to a situation where the covid 19 virus is more, not less, likely to spread. This can result in more severe health problems and difficulties controlling a disease outbreak of the Covid-19 virus. Discrimination is when someone treats you in a negative way because of your illness. Social stigma and discrimination can make health problems worse and stop a person from getting the help they need.