Analysing the Dynamics of Stigma and Recognition: A Micro-Recognitional Approach
Keywords:
Goffman, Honneth, stigma, recognition, interactionAbstract
The prevalence of stigma in society can limit an individual’s ability to gain recognition and participate in society as an equal member. To explore this phenomenon, I develop a micro-recognitional approach based on the application of Axel Honneth’s recognition theory and Erving Goffman’s interactional sociology. This approach helps to analyse the experience of stigma as a challenge to gaining and seeking recognition from individuals’ interactional experiences. I have developed this approach by abductively analysing interviews with young adults outside of education and employment. With four selected examples from the data, I illustrate how stigma as a challenge to gaining and seeking recognition manifests itself in young adults’ experiences. These examples demonstrate the potential of the micro-recognitional approach to clarify empirically challenging stigma using recognition theory.
