Product Description

The dwarf, the disfigured, the blind man, the homosexual, the ex-mental patient and the member of a racial or religious minority all share one characteristic: they are all socially "abnormal", and therefore in danger of being considered less then human. Whether ordinary people react by rejection, by over-hearty acceptance or by plain embarressment, their main concern is with such an individual's deviance, not with the whole of his personality. "Stigma" is a study of situations where normal and abnormal meet, and of the ways in which a stigmatized person can develop a more positive social and personal identity.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8719 in Books
• Published on: 1990-05-14
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 176 pages

About the Author
Erving Goffman (1922-1982) was one of the most influential sociologists of the twentieth century. He was Benjamin Franklin Professor of Anthropology and Sociology at the University of Pennsylvania.

Customer Reviews

A classic that remains relevant
Although this is a slim book it is more rich in detail and insight thanmany texts twice its size. Goffman is both a genius and a brilliantwriter. His theory is clearly elucidated throughout the text by real lifeanecdotes. The book opens with a letter to a "lonelyhearts" column from agirl "born without a nose" which concludes "Ought I commit suicide?" Thissets the tone for a book that pulls no punches and comprehensively addresses the alienation of those different from what is perceived to be"normal". I hope that this text is being promoted at secondary schoollevel, and it is certainly essential reading for anyone whose workinvolves dealing with people.

The 20th Century's most gifted and engaging Social scientist
For those not familiar with Goffman's work he is the acceptable face of Sociology. He avoids the bogus science which has given the whole enterprise a bad name but captures the essence of what makes the study of social interraction so fascinating. The Stigmas covered include disabilities, social deviance or sexual orientation. Stigma proposes a basic principle: That the stigmatised individual has a simple choice regarding the attributes that he or she has that makes them different. They can either control the information by not letting so called 'normals' i.e. everyone else, know what their secret is if its not obviously visible; or they can let it be known and manage the resulting tension. They can 'pass' i.e. pretend to be normal while harbouring the knowledge that their stigma makes them distinct and different. It is Goffman's extraordinary insight and accurate description that makes his brand of Sociology so engaging. You will read this and say 'Aha' when you recognise that things you thought only you had observed in the minutely detailed interplay of human relations have been bagged, tagged and described in the most accurate and well documented manner. Nobody should go through life without at least once dipping in to the sharply observed world of this great 20th century observer.

excellent for sociology students.
this book is excellent for those interested in sociology or psycology. Good for gaining an understanding as to how those with disabilities or a 'difference' from others and how their and their families behaviour may be affected.