Social Stigma

As we wrap up this path on coping during the pandemic, we need to address something called social stigma. This might be a term you've never heard before, or you might know what stigma is, but how does it apply to the pandemic?

Social stigma, specifically pertaining to health in this case, is when there is a negative association between a person or group of people with a disease, such as COVID-19. When social stigma occured, these people are labeled, stereotyped, discriminated, looked down on in status, and treated unfairly through form of physical and/or verbal abuse, avoidance, or denial of service. This can happen when someone has COVID-19, recovered from the virus, and/or came out of quarantine. It can also be centered around someone's race, a test result, status as an essential or healthcare worker, disabilities, health conditions, or status as someone experiencing homelessness. According to UNICEF, the level of social stigma in association with COVID-19 is based on three factors: the disease is novel and many people don't understand it completely, people are afraid of the unknown, and people often associate fear with 'others.' Social stigma can be very hurtful. We will learn what effects social stigma has on people and how to prevent social stigma in the following steps.