ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on groups that face stressors other than disadvantage – those who face discrimination and exclusion because they belong to a stigmatised group. In his classic book Stigma the sociologist Erving Goffman describes the origin of the term stigma in ancient culture. Stigma-related discrimination can take many different forms. It can range from subtle forms of exclusion, ostensibly aimed at protecting the individual to more blatant manifestations. Although a great deal of research in social psychology and sociology has traditionally examined perceptions of those who are stigmatised, it is only recently that the focus has shifted to examining how people who face discrimination or exclusion on the basis of group membership respond to, and cope with, stigma. In addition to group-based and identity factors that determine how minority members appraise and experience stigma and discrimination, there is evidence that membership in a stigmatised group affects people's engagement and utilisation of health care services.
