Stigma, Ethnocentrism, and Cultural Relativism (8B) - Psych & Soc

Identify the concept: "My culture's customs are normal; others are wrong or inferior."

Ethnocentrism. Classic ethnocentric thinking: my way is the right way.
Identify the term: laws and institutional rules produce unequal outcomes for a stigmatized group.

Structural stigma. Discriminatory policies built into social structures.
What is labeling theory as it relates to deviance and stigma?

Deviance can result from being labeled deviant and treated accordingly. Labels create deviance through changed self-concept and social treatment.
What is stigma in sociology as used on the MCAT?

A devalued attribute that discredits a person and lowers social status. Stigma marks someone as 'lesser' due to a characteristic society devalues.
What is the key difference between stigma and stereotyping?

Stigma is devaluation; stereotyping is belief generalization about a group. Stigma targets individuals; stereotypes target group characteristics.
What is the difference between stereotype, prejudice, and discrimination?

Stereotype: belief; Prejudice: attitude; Discrimination: behavior. Progresses from thought to feeling to action against a group.
Identify the concept: a clinician assumes a cultural practice is "noncompliance" without context.

Ethnocentrism. Misinterprets cultural differences through own cultural lens.
What is cultural imperialism?

Promoting one culture's values as universal and imposing them on others. Dominant culture forces its worldview onto others.
What is internalized stigma (self-stigma) in the context of marginalized identities?

Adopting negative societal beliefs about oneself as true. When stigmatized individuals believe society's negative views of them.
Identify the concept: "To understand this practice, interpret it using local meanings."

Cultural relativism. Seeks emic (insider) rather than etic (outsider) understanding.
What is the fundamental attribution error as it can relate to stigmatized groups?

Overattributing others' behavior to disposition and underattributing situation. Fundamental attribution error biases judgments by overemphasizing personal traits over situational factors in stigmatized individuals.
What is prejudice (distinguish it from discrimination)?

Negative attitude or affect toward a group or its members. Emotional/evaluative component, while discrimination is behavioral.
What is discrimination (distinguish it from prejudice)?

Behavior that disadvantages people based on group membership. Actions taken, not just thoughts or feelings like prejudice.
What is the labeling theory of deviance?

Deviance is shaped by social labels that can produce a deviant identity. Social reactions to behavior create self-fulfilling prophecies.
What is a self-fulfilling prophecy in the context of stigma and social interaction?

Expectations shape behavior, causing the expected outcome to occur. Beliefs about outcomes influence actions that make them real.
What is internalized stigma?

Acceptance of negative stereotypes about one's own stigmatized identity. Person believes society's negative views about their stigmatized trait.
What is stereotyping as used in social psychology on the MCAT?

Assigning generalized beliefs about a group to an individual. Stereotyping applies oversimplified group characteristics to individuals, contributing to stigma and biased perceptions.
What is the in-group in social identity theory?

The group with which an individual identifies and feels membership. Social identity derives from belonging to this group.
What is public stigma?

Societal-level negative beliefs, emotions, and actions toward a group. Society's collective stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination.
What is structural stigma?

Institutional policies and norms that systematically disadvantage a group. Systems and structures perpetuate disadvantage beyond individual bias.
Identify the concept: a landlord refuses to rent to someone with schizophrenia.

Enacted stigma. Direct discrimination based on mental health diagnosis.
What is labeling theory as it relates to stigma?

Labels shape identity and behavior, promoting deviance via social reactions. Society's reaction to labels creates the deviant behavior.
Which term describes: "A patient avoids care to escape being labeled mentally ill"?

Stigma (anticipated or perceived stigma leading to avoidance). Fear of stigma creates barriers to seeking help.
What is the difference between public stigma and self-stigma?

Public: society stereotypes; self: individual internalizes devaluation. Public comes from external sources; self comes from within.
What is stigma in sociology as it relates to a person possessing a socially devalued attribute?

A discrediting attribute that reduces social status and acceptance. Stigma marks individuals as 'other' and diminishes their social worth.
What is a cultural universalism approach in ethics?

Applying the same moral standards to all cultures regardless of context. Contrasts with relativism by asserting absolute moral truths.
Identify the concept: "Policies unintentionally disadvantage a racial group across institutions."

Structural stigma (institutional discrimination). Embedded in systems, not just individual attitudes.
What is structural stigma?

Societal-level policies and institutions that systematically disadvantage a group. Discrimination embedded in laws, policies, and institutions.
What is stigma in sociology and social psychology?

A discrediting attribute that reduces a person to a tainted identity. Marks someone as 'spoiled' or devalued in social interactions.
Which concept best fits: "I prefer my group and rate it more positively"?

In-group favoritism. Tendency to favor and positively evaluate one's own group.
What is a cultural universal?

A trait or practice found in all human cultures. Cultural universals, like language or kinship, highlight shared human experiences across diverse societies.
What is cultural universality?

A norm or practice found across all (or nearly all) human cultures. Shared human traits transcend cultural boundaries.
Which concept best describes suspending judgment to understand a practice in its local context?

Cultural relativism. Seeks understanding before evaluation of cultural practices.
What is structural stigma?

Institutional policies and norms that systematically disadvantage a group. Discrimination embedded in societal systems and structures.
What is the medicalization of deviance?

Redefining a behavior as a medical disorder requiring clinical treatment. Transforms social issues into individual pathologies.
Identify the term: a parent is avoided socially because their child has a stigmatized condition.

Courtesy stigma. Stigma transfers through social connections.
What is structural stigma?

Societal-level policies and norms that systematically disadvantage a group. Structural stigma embeds discrimination in institutions, perpetuating inequality through policies and cultural norms.
What is the "medicalization of deviance" and how does it relate to stigma?

Defining deviance as illness; can reduce blame yet still sustain stigma. Medical framing may reduce moral blame but maintains otherness.
Which option best describes cultural relativism: judge by own norms or by local norms?

Judge practices by local norms and context (not by one's own norms). Relativism requires understanding cultures on their own terms.
What is enacted stigma?

Overt discrimination or exclusion directed at a stigmatized person. Actual discriminatory behaviors experienced by stigmatized persons.
Identify the term: denying jobs to a group due to a negative label about that group.

Discrimination (enacted stigma). Active differential treatment based on group membership.
What is a self-fulfilling prophecy in the context of stigma?

Expectations elicit behaviors that make the expectations come true. In stigma contexts, self-fulfilling prophecies occur when expectations of failure or rejection lead to confirming behaviors.
What is xenocentrism?

Belief that other cultures are superior to one's own culture. Xenocentrism reflects a preference for foreign cultures, often stemming from dissatisfaction with one's own.
What is anticipated stigma in health and social behavior research?

Expecting future prejudice or discrimination because of a stigmatized status. Anticipated stigma leads to avoidance behaviors and stress, as individuals preemptively prepare for potential discrimination.
What is a spoiled identity in Goffman's stigma framework?

A social identity viewed as tainted, reducing full social acceptance. Goffman's term for damaged social identity from stigma.
What is stigma in the sociological sense as tested on the MCAT?

A devalued social attribute that discredits a person in others' eyes. Goffman's theory defines stigma as an attribute that spoils one's identity, leading to social devaluation and exclusion.
What is the key difference between stigma and prejudice?

Stigma is a discrediting label; prejudice is an attitude toward a group. Stigma focuses on individual discrediting traits, while prejudice involves broader negative attitudes toward entire social groups.
Identify the concept: calling another culture "primitive" because it differs from yours.

Ethnocentrism. Shows bias by using own cultural values as universal standard.
What is xenocentrism?

Belief that another culture is superior to one's own culture. Opposite of ethnocentrism; devalues one's own culture.
What is felt stigma (perceived stigma)?

Expectation or perception of being judged, rejected, or discriminated against. Anticipation of stigma affects behavior even without actual discrimination.
Which term describes unequal treatment based on group membership?

Discrimination. Actions that disadvantage people based on their group identity.
What is the etic approach in cross-cultural research?

Studying cultures using outsider, universal constructs to compare groups. The etic approach applies external frameworks for comparative analysis, facilitating cross-cultural generalizations.
What is enacted stigma?

Direct experiences of rejection, exclusion, or unfair treatment. Actual discriminatory behaviors experienced by stigmatized persons.
What is stigma in sociology and social psychology?

A socially discrediting attribute that devalues a person or group. Creates social distance through negative labeling and stereotyping.
Which option is cultural relativism: "Understand the practice by local norms" vs "Condemn by my norms"?

Understand the practice by local norms. Relativism suspends judgment; ethnocentrism imposes it.
What is structural stigma?

Institutional policies and norms that systematically disadvantage a group. Embedded in organizations and systems, not just individual actions.
What is the difference between ethnocentrism and xenocentrism?

Ethnocentrism favors own culture; xenocentrism favors another culture. Both involve cultural bias but in opposite directions.
What is the emic approach in cross-cultural research?

Studying culture from the insider perspective using culture-specific concepts. The emic approach prioritizes indigenous perspectives to capture unique cultural meanings in research.
What is ethnocentrism in the study of culture?

Judging other cultures by the standards of one's own culture. Viewing one's culture as superior and the standard for others.
Which option best describes cultural relativism: judging by your culture or by theirs?

By theirs (within the culture's own norms and meanings). Relativism requires understanding from insider perspective.
Which term describes a clinician interpreting symptoms using the patient's cultural norms, not their own?

Cultural relativism. Avoids ethnocentric bias in clinical assessment.
What is discrimination in the context of stigma and intergroup relations?

Behavior that disadvantages people based on group membership. Discrimination enacts prejudice through unequal treatment, often reinforcing stigma in social interactions.
What is stigma in sociology and psychology?

A socially discrediting attribute that devalues a person in a context. Context-dependent because what's stigmatized varies across cultures and situations.
What is the difference between a discredited and a discreditable stigma?

Discredited is visible/known; discreditable is concealable/unknown. Visibility determines stigma management strategies needed.
What is the difference between a discredited stigma and a discreditable stigma?

Discredited is visible/known; discreditable is concealable/unknown. Goffman's distinction based on stigma visibility.
What is a stereotype (as used in stigma and prejudice research)?

A generalized belief about a group applied to its members. Cognitive shortcut that oversimplifies group characteristics.
What is internalized stigma (self-stigma)?

Accepting negative stereotypes about oneself and applying them inward. Internalized stigma arises when individuals adopt societal negative views, impacting self-esteem and mental health.
What is a stereotype (as used in social psychology)?

A generalized belief about the characteristics of a group. Oversimplified mental image applied to all group members.
What is the emic approach in cultural research?

Culture-specific, insider perspective using local categories and meanings. Studies culture from within using participants' own concepts.
What is cultural relativism?

Evaluating a culture's practices within that culture's own context. Cultural relativism encourages understanding practices based on their cultural context, avoiding ethnocentric judgments.
What is structural (institutional) stigma?

Policies and norms that systematically disadvantage a stigmatized group. Built into laws, policies, and institutional practices.
What is a self-fulfilling prophecy in the context of stigma?

Expectations trigger behaviors that make the expected outcome more likely. Belief in a prediction causes actions that fulfill it.
What is self-stigma (internalized stigma)?

Adoption of negative societal beliefs about oneself. Person internalizes society's negative views about their group.
What is courtesy stigma (stigma by association)?

Stigmatization of someone due to association with a stigmatized person. Family/friends of stigmatized individuals face stigma too.
What is the difference between enacted stigma and felt (perceived) stigma?

Enacted is experienced mistreatment; felt is fear/expectation of rejection. Actual discrimination versus anticipated discrimination.
What is structural stigma in public health and sociology?

Stigma embedded in laws, policies, and institutional practices. Discrimination built into societal systems and organizations.
What is courtesy stigma (stigma by association)?

Stigma directed at people connected to a stigmatized person or group. Others face stigma due to their association with stigmatized individuals.
Which concept best describes suspending judgment to understand a practice in its culture?

Cultural relativism. Cultural relativism promotes objective analysis by considering cultural contexts, fostering cross-cultural understanding.
What is courtesy stigma (stigma by association)?

Stigma applied to someone because of their association with a stigmatized person. Extends stigma to those connected to stigmatized individuals.
What is stigma in sociology and social psychology?

A devalued social attribute that discredits a person in others' eyes. Stigma marks someone as different and inferior in social interactions.
Which term describes a stigmatized identity that can be hidden (for example, mental illness)?

Concealable stigma. Concealable stigmas allow individuals to manage disclosure, but often lead to internal stress and identity concealment.
Identify the concept: An anthropologist suspends judgment to interpret a ritual within local meaning.

Cultural relativism. Understanding practices through the culture's own framework.
What is the key distinction between stereotype, prejudice, and discrimination?

Stereotype: belief; Prejudice: attitude; Discrimination: behavior. Cognitive vs. affective vs. behavioral components of bias.
What is the difference between enacted stigma and felt (perceived) stigma?

Enacted: discrimination; Felt: expectation or fear of being stigmatized. Enacted is actual discrimination; felt is anticipated stigma.
Which concept best describes believing your culture is the correct standard for all others?

Ethnocentrism. Assumes one's cultural norms are universally valid.
What is the difference between enacted stigma and felt stigma?

Enacted: discrimination; Felt: internal shame and fear of discrimination. Enacted is external treatment; felt is internal experience.
What is a culture-bound syndrome?

A disorder-like pattern recognized mainly within a specific culture. Culture-bound syndromes illustrate how mental health manifestations are shaped by specific cultural beliefs and contexts.
Identify the concept: "Our culture's parenting style is superior to theirs."

Ethnocentrism. Assumes one's own cultural practices are inherently better.
Identify the concept: A clinician interprets a patient's beliefs using only their own cultural norms.

Ethnocentrism. Using one's cultural lens exclusively shows ethnocentric bias.
What is cultural relativism as a principle for evaluating cultural practices?

Understanding practices within their own cultural context and values. Avoids judgment by analyzing cultures on their own terms.
What is the difference between prejudice and discrimination?

Prejudice: attitudes; discrimination: behaviors that disadvantage a group. Prejudice is internal bias; discrimination is external action.
What is enacted stigma (experienced stigma)?

Direct experiences of prejudice or discrimination due to a stigmatized trait. Enacted stigma involves actual encounters with bias, directly affecting the stigmatized individual's opportunities and well-being.
Identify the term: a student underperforms after being reminded of a stereotype about their group.

Stereotype threat. Awareness of stereotypes impairs task performance.
What is xenocentrism?

Belief that another culture is superior to one's own culture. Opposite of ethnocentrism; devalues one's own culture.
What is courtesy stigma (stigma by association)?

Stigma directed at people associated with a stigmatized individual. Family/friends of stigmatized people face secondary stigma.
What is the difference between ethnocentrism and xenocentrism?

Ethnocentrism favors one's culture; xenocentrism favors others' cultures. Ethnocentrism elevates one's culture, while xenocentrism diminishes it in favor of others, both representing cultural biases.
Identify the concept: a patient avoids care because they expect discrimination for HIV.

Felt stigma (perceived stigma). Anticipatory stigma prevents seeking needed medical services.
What is courtesy stigma (stigma by association)?

Stigma directed at people connected to a stigmatized individual or group. Associates face stigma due to their relationship with stigmatized persons.
What is self-stigma?

Internalization of public stigma, leading to reduced self-esteem and efficacy. Person accepts negative stereotypes as true about themselves.
What is the etic approach in cultural research?

Cross-cultural, outsider perspective using universal analytic categories. Studies cultures from outside using researcher's framework.
What is xenocentrism (contrast with ethnocentrism)?

Belief that other cultures are superior to one's own. Opposite of ethnocentrism; devalues own culture.
What is courtesy stigma (stigma by association)?

Stigma experienced due to association with a stigmatized person or group. Courtesy stigma extends discrediting effects to affiliates, influencing social networks and support systems.
What is a master status?

A status that dominates social identity and shapes others' perceptions. Overshadows all other characteristics (e.g., 'criminal').
What is self-stigma (internalized stigma)?

Accepting negative stereotypes about one's own group as true. Person internalizes society's negative views of their group.
Identify the concept: interpreting a ritual by learning its meaning within that society.

Cultural relativism. Seeks insider perspective rather than imposing external judgments.
Identify the term for prejudice plus institutional power that produces systematic inequality.

Institutional (systemic) racism. Institutional racism combines prejudice with power structures, resulting in systemic disadvantages for marginalized groups.
Identify the term: a patient believes public stereotypes about mental illness apply to them.

Self-stigma (internalized stigma). Accepting society's negative views as personal truth.
What is the out-group in social identity theory?

A group perceived as different from and outside one's own group. Defined by contrast with one's in-group membership.
Which concept best describes believing one's culture is superior to all others?

Ethnocentrism. Ethnocentrism involves a biased belief in cultural superiority, often leading to prejudice and conflict.
What is social distancing as a common behavioral response to stigma?

Avoiding contact with stigmatized individuals to reduce perceived threat. Social distancing maintains separation from stigmatized groups, often driven by fear or discomfort in intergroup relations.
What is discrimination, and how does it differ from prejudice?

Discrimination is behavior; prejudice is an attitude or evaluation. Actions versus thoughts - discrimination is enacted, prejudice is felt.
What is the difference between enacted stigma and felt (internalized) stigma?

Enacted: discrimination by others; felt: shame and self-devaluation. Enacted is external treatment; felt is internal experience.
What is the out-group homogeneity bias?

Perceiving out-group members as more similar to each other than they are. Reduces individuality; basis for many stereotypes.
What is labeling theory in deviance?

Deviance is amplified when society labels a person as deviant. Social reaction to deviance can increase deviant behavior.
What is courtesy stigma (stigma by association)?

Stigma directed at people connected to a stigmatized individual. Family/friends share stigma through their association.
Identify the concept: "Explaining group differences as natural and unchangeable."

Essentialism. Attributes differences to inherent, fixed characteristics.
What is a self-fulfilling prophecy in the context of stigma?

Expectations about a person lead to behaviors that make them come true. Others' expectations shape behavior, creating expected outcomes.
What is labeling theory in the context of deviance and stigma?

Deviance is shaped by being labeled, leading to identity change and exclusion. Labels create self-fulfilling prophecies and social exclusion.
What is the difference between a discredited and a discreditable stigma?

Discredited: visible/known; Discreditable: concealable/not yet known. Goffman's distinction based on visibility of the stigma.
What is xenocentrism?

Belief that other cultures are superior to one's own culture. Opposite of ethnocentrism; devalues one's own culture.
What is impression management as a response to stigma in social interactions?

Strategic control of self-presentation to influence others' perceptions. Managing stigma by controlling how others see you.
Identify the concept: "Avoiding a person because of a visible scar that others devalue."

Stigmatization (discrimination based on a stigmatized attribute). Avoidance shows behavioral discrimination from stigma.
What is labeling theory and its central claim about deviance?

Deviance is shaped by social labels that can become self-fulfilling. Labeling theory posits that societal reactions to deviance can amplify it by altering self-concept and behavior.
What is the difference between stereotypes and prejudice?

Stereotypes: beliefs; prejudice: evaluative attitudes toward a group. Stereotypes are cognitive; prejudice is affective/emotional.
What is stereotype threat, and what type of effect does it produce?

Performance impairment due to fear of confirming a negative stereotype. Anxiety about stereotypes disrupts cognitive performance.
Identify the concept: "To understand this ritual, consider its meaning in that society."

Cultural relativism. Seeks to understand practices within their cultural framework.

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