Coping With Prejudice: Personal Relationship Partners as Sources of Socioemotional Support for Stigmatized Individuals

Abstract

In the present article, I consider the behavior of nonstigmatized versus stigmatized perceivers toward stigmatized target persons in personal relationships. First, I argue that nonstigmatized persons generally are less likely to enter into personal relationships with or to give affection and respect as socioemotional support to stigmatized persons than are other stigmatized persons. Second, I present a variety of facilitators and barriers to stigmatized persons' supportive function as well as factors that might make nonstigmatized persons more likely than stigmatized persons as sources of socioemotional support for stigmatized partners. Directions for future research are discussed.According to Goffman (1963), individuals with discredited identities are stigmatized by virtue of belonging to socially devalued groups whose distinguishing characteristics are readily visible (e.g., persons of color, heterosexual women) and face the constant task of managing tension when in public, whereas individuals with discreditable identities are stigmatized by virtue of belonging to socially devalued groups whose distinguishing characteristics are not readily visible (e.g., Jewish persons, gay men) and face the constant task of managing information when in public. Some individuals possess discredited as well as discreditable identities (e.g., White lesbians, Muslim men of color) and arguably enact the most complex and difficult roles of all stigmatized persons. The chronic stress and anxiety

Stigmatized beliefs: Conspiracy theories, anticipated negative evaluation of the self, and fear of social exclusion

“…are more vulnerable (e.g., characterized by lower self‐esteem, more negative affect, etc.) than people with non‐concealable stigmas (Frable, Platt, & Hoey, ), which could reflect their difficulty to find similar others able to provide a precious social support (Gaines, ). In addition to these affective implications, hiding a stigma can have cognitive consequences (e.g., obsessive and intrusive thoughts, etc., Smart & Wegner, , ).…”

Motherhood in Liminal Spaces

“…Both quantitative and qualitative studies have identified family disapproval and lower social support of interracial couples (Authors, 2012;Killian, 2001;Root, 2001). Interracial couples may be ostracized from their families of origin (Gaines, 2001) and actively discouraged by messages of ''concern'' about social acceptance and biracial grandchildren (Romano, 2003). There is some evidence that these relationships may be more vulnerable to dissolution (Bratter & King, 2008).…”

"Stigma, Sympathy, and the Double Edge of Strong Ties:Social Capital Activation in Job Searches"

“…Thus, because of their apparent tolerance toward the stigmatized, strong-tie contacts might be more readily stigmatized than weak-tie contacts (see Gaines [2001]; Snyder, Omoto, and Crain [1999]). Being casually acquainted to a stigmatized person, for example, is likely less damaging for one's social identity than being seen as that person's best friend or trusted confidant.…”