Negotiating Stigmatized Identities and Overcoming Barriers to Inclusion in The Transition to Adulthood

Abstract

Traditionally, research on stigma has focused on the perspectives of dominant groups and how they respond to stigmatised populations and minority groups (Crocker and Quinn, 2003). In this chapter the focus is on the perspectives of the stigmatised individual and how he/she interprets, is affected by and responds to stigma. Different forms of stigma are examined to this end. Since the self is influenced by social factors, stigma has important implications for the development of self concept, identity and consequently ones’ interactions with others. While stigma inevitably impacts on the self, individuals actively interpret, respond to and manage stigma. In Cooley’s ‘looking glass self’ conceptualisation (1902), the imagined judgement is crucial. In the transition to adulthood which often spans over several years, young people must develop a coherent sense of self that will be an important mediator of their life experiences and will influence adjustment to the various social environments they find themselves in (Erikson, 1968; Marcia, 1966, Harter, 1997). Life experiences are mediated through the self concept which consequently serves as a filter (Markus, 1977).