Stigmatization

The word stigma, translated from Latin as “burn” or “mark”, refers to a specific characteristic that distinguishes a person from others. Stigmatization is understood as the associated process in which the person is given a label by other people and associated with negative stereotypes because of this characteristic (here, for example, through the injustice they suffered in the GDR). This can lead to a person affected by stigmatization being subjected to prejudice, exclusion and ultimately discrimination. Stigmatizing attitudes can therefore lead to a devaluation of those affected (public stigmatization). A person who has experienced such stigma in contact with other people may fear that the experience will be repeated. This can lead to secrecy, refusal or avoidance of offers of help, or social withdrawal. The effects of stigmatization are manifold and individually different for those affected. Structures, norms and rules can also lead to stigmatization on a societal and institutional level (structural stigmatization) and restrict the well-being of those affected, e.g. through disadvantages in legislation, resource allocation or health care. Self-stigmatization occurs when a person accepts and adopts other people's opinions or prejudices about themselves.