What exactly is stigma, and how does it impact society? This chapter addresses the growing body of social science research on stigma by providing a clear definition of the concept and highlighting its pervasive influence. The authors define stigma as the co-occurrence of labeling, stereotyping, separation, status loss, and discrimination, emphasizing the critical role of power in the stigmatization process. The chapter explores how this conceptualization of stigma affects core issues in stigma research, from defining the concept itself to understanding the reasons behind stigma's persistence in the lives of those affected. Power dynamics are highlighted as a vital component in the process. Ultimately, the authors argue that stigmatization has a dramatic impact on the distribution of life chances, affecting areas such as earnings, housing, criminal involvement, health, and overall lifespan. This research encourages social scientists interested in understanding societal inequalities to consider the profound influence of stigma.
As a review article featured in the Annual Review of Sociology, this work aligns with the journal's aim to provide comprehensive overviews of key sociological concepts and research areas. Given the broad scope of the Annual Review of Sociology, this in-depth analysis of stigma and its impact on society is a relevant and valuable contribution to its readership.