Stigma and COVID-19. Lessons learned and insights for the future
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3989/arbor.2023.808006Keywords:
Stigma, discrimination, COVID-19, pandemic, monkeypoxAbstract
This essay discusses the discrimination suffered by certain groups (covid patients and ex-patients, Asians, and healthcare professionals) during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several theoretical approaches to stigma are offered. Based on these approaches, the different discriminatory situations experienced by the aforementioned groups are examined. Two main stigmatizing dynamics are identified: segregation and guilt. Segregation is triggered by the perception of a «triple threat» (physical, emotional and moral) from infectious-contagious diseases. Guilt can be understood by considering the dynamics of domination that affect vulnerable groups. Both can lead to aggression towards segregated/blamed groups. The knowledge obtained provides insight into some potentially troublesome issues (regarding stigma) in other diseases, such as in the case of monkeypox.
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