Identity
The actual attributes or characteristics that a person possesses, which may or may not align with the virtual social identity projected onto them by society.
What is Actual Social Identity?
This strategy enables homeless kids to connect with caring adults to obtain positive self-appraisals and greater self-legitimation. It also enables kids an opportunity to transcend their discredited status and assume a role invested with interactional legitimacy by becoming a mentor to newcomers.
What is "Forging Friendships"?
A deeply discrediting attribute that reduces an individual "from a whole and usual person to a tainted, discounted one." Stigmatized individuals are seen as deviant or inferior based on certain characteristics, leading to social exclusion or marginalization.
What is Stigma?
The assumptions or expectations that society projects onto individuals based on their perceived traits or characteristics. It refers to how others categorize or perceive an individual, often based on stereotypes.
What is Virtual Social Identity?
Through adopting the dress and demeanor of non homeless kids, and usage of specific phrases, the homeless kids make their stigma invisible so that it is known only to themselves.
What is "Passing"?
A concept similar to "stigma by association," where individuals who are associated with stigmatized people (e.g., family members or friends) may also experience stigma, even though they do not possess the discrediting attribute themselves.
What is Courtesy Stigma?
An identity in which the stigmatized individual’s condition or difference is visible or known to others. As a result, the person faces clear social reactions based on the stigma.
What is Discredited Identity?
Instead of deny/hiding one’s stigma, the individual attempt to make it less obtrusive and thereby reduce social tension.
What is "Covering"?
They are people who, although not personally stigmatized, are empathetic toward stigmatized individuals and understand their experiences. They may be family members, friends, or professionals who are socially aligned with stigmatized individuals and help manage or alleviate the effects of stigma.
What is "The Wise"?
An identity in which the stigmatized individual’s condition or difference is not immediately visible or known to others. The person may engage in efforts to manage or conceal the stigma.
What is Discreditable Identity?
Through verbally denouncing other stigmatized groups, homeless kids distance themselves from the stigmatized “other” and proclaim their superiority over these similarly disparaged groups.
What is "Verbal Denigration"?
Efforts by stigmatized individuals or groups to make their condition or identity appear as ordinary or typical in society, reducing the impact of the stigma. This may involve reframing the stigma in a more positive light or advocating for societal change.
What is Normalization?
When an individual’s social identity is damaged due to stigma, this leads to social rejection or reduced acceptance. The term then refers to this process through which a person’s social standing or self-image is diminished.
What is Spoiled Identity?
This intimidation tactic of presenting themselves as prototypical gangstas, is intended to “keep other youths at bay” and allow disempowered kids to feel tougher, stronger, and superior.
What is "Physical Posturing"?
The evolving experiences and changes in self-identity that an individual undergoes as they navigate stigmatized statuses or roles over time. It often involves stages or phases where individuals learn to manage societal reactions to their stigmatized identity, cope with feelings of shame or pride, and develop strategies to handle discrimination or exclusion.
What is "Moral Career"?