BREAKING THE CYCLE STIGMA DISCRIMINATION AND INTERNAL STIGMA

BREAKING THE CYCLE: STIGMA, DISCRIMINATION, AND INTERNAL STIGMA MODULE 9 Stigma and Discrimination

Conceptual Framework STIGMA INTERNAL STIGMA DISCRIMINATION

What is stigma? § Stigma is the process of devaluing people and viewing them negatively on the basis of a particular attribute. § For example: § Their race, complexion, social class § HIV status, gender, sexuality

What is HIV-related stigma? § HIV-related stigma refers to prejudicial thoughts towards people living with HIV, affected groups, and persons and communities with whom they are associated.

What is discrimination (enacted stigma)? § Discrimination is any form of arbitrary distinction, exclusion, or restriction based on stigmatised attribute. § Any action that perpetuates an unjust action or inaction against individuals who belong, or are perceived to belong, to a stigmatised group.

What is internal stigma? § In reaction to stigma from society, individuals and groups may internalise, and often accept, feelings of shame, blame, and worthlessness. § Internal stigma may include withdrawing or excluding oneself from social interaction with others out of fear of other’s actions, including avoiding health services and/or intimacy.

Self-perception (shame, guilt, fear) INTERNAL STIGMA Internalising of Context • Internalising of experiences of stigma and discrimination • Acceptance of inferiority or denigration (disapproval) • Loss of control (physical and socio-economic) Protective Action (avoidance, isolation, not always telling the truth)

Stigma layers onto existing inequalities in different realities Sexual Relations Racial Relations § Gay plague § Western disease § Prostitute propagation § African origins Gender Relations Economic Relations § Women’s disease § Disease of the rich § Caused by men northerners § Disease of the southern poor

How can we overcome stigma and discrimination? § Reduce stigma and its root causes (underlying prejudices) in communities and institutions. § Work to decrease and eliminate discrimination and promote and protect human rights. § Find allies and work together to decrease stigma and discrimination.

How can we overcome stigma and discrimination? 2 § Increase understanding of internal or self- stigma and provide opportunities to build selfacceptance: § Increase self-sufficiency and internal power § Provide positive role models § Build social capital (connecting with others and working together toward common goals)