Labeling Theory on Mental Illness

Labeling Theory on Mental Illness

By: Madison Domin

Emile Goffman

• Stigma: Notes on Management of Spoiled Identity
• defined stigma- "Stigma is a “mark” that signals to others that an individual possesses an attribute reducing him or her from “whole and usual” to “tainted and discounted."
• Disconnect felt after institutionalized
• Public discussion could lead to label of crazy or violent
• Patients hesitant to apply for jobs or housing

1 in 4 people have been diagnosed with a mental illness but no one is talking about it, WHY?

Erving Goffman

Labeling Theory

Talcott Parson

• people being viewed as deviant is caused due to labels that are placed upon them
• Howard Becker
• developed theory in 1963 from Goffman's core beliefs
• During the high social climate of the 1960's

• "sick role"- increase of support and care when ill
• expectations for the ill
• Engage in strategies such as secrecy to exacerbate their social isolation

Talcott Parson

Howard Becker

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