Effect of Associative Stigma on Children
The Emotional Life within the Shadow of Stigma
Introduction
The experience of parental imprisonment is unique for each child. However, there appears to be one factor that presents itself in the experience: a stigma associated with parental incarceration.
A child with an incarcerated parent has little influence over societal beliefs about that parent. Additionally, they may be subject to widely held stereotypes and biases implicit in associative stigma. (Dawson et al.., 2013). This social stigma can adversely impact children in various ways and contribute to continued marginalization and discrimination.
“I often wonder how much my father’s criminal record affects others’ perception of me.“
-Liam, 16 years old
This blog highlights some aspects of associoative stigma, which can profoundly affect children’s experiences and identities.
Stigma as a Societal Concept
Stigma emerges from the perceptions shaped by our societies and cultures, which can significantly influence how individuals behave and see themselves. These societal norms and values create expectations about acceptable behavior, often leaving many feeling inadequate or out of place. As our understanding of normalcy evolves, created by changes in politics, economics, and culture, individuals may feel immense pressure to conform to cultural and societal norms.
Unraveling the History of Stigma: Historical Roots of Stigma
Stigma has always influenced society’s collective consciousness. Due to the power of societal stigma, individuals, particularly those with criminal backgrounds, appear flawed and inferior based on supposedly specific psychological traits. This oversimplification, intertwined with genetic determinism, dehumanizes them and promotes harmful beliefs about their worth.
For example, in his book “The Criminal Man” (1876), Cesare Lombroso suggested that criminality is inherited, offenders are “genetic throwbacks,” and poignant physical markers, such as prominent ears, can identify criminals. His claim led to a relevant framework of a genetic model at that time, in which he proposed that biology dictated one’s fate.
https://www.simplypsychology.org/lombroso-theory-of-crime-criminal-man-and-atavism.html
Transference of Stigma: When Stigma Transfers Across Generations
Associative stigma, as defined by Verhaeghe and Bracke ( 2012), attributes negative traits or attitudes not to an individual’s characteristics but those associated with them. Whether the stigma is objectively “out there” or perceived as a possible threat, this form of stigma can inflict social trauma.
Indeed, the concept of associative stigma highlights psychological traits and behavioral characteristics in children of imprisoned parents, unjustly labeling a child as inferior and maladapted to societal norms due to genetic transferences. What’s more, these perceptions reinforce assumptions of visible emotional and behavioral disparities in children of incarcerated parents.
The Burden of Internalized Shame
The societal stigma surrounding parental imprisonment not only adds stress to their lives but also perpetuates self-stigmatization. For instance, attributions such as “less-than, flawed, weak, or out-of-control,” to name a few, are shame messages that can create emotional turmoil and chronic feelings of deep shame, guilt and unworthiness. (Dovidio et al., 2000)
The child’s self-stigmatization generates heightened vulnerability, which then can complicate the circumstances of a burdensome situation that extends beyond a child’s emotional and mental abilities.
Furthermore, it relegates them to a lower social standing, inviting discrimination and marginalization. (DeMasi & Teuten Bohn, 2020).
Identity Formation: Adding Insult to Injury
Humiliation and degradation are at the core of stigma. Therefore, stigmatization is a powerful adverse social experience. Once again, this likely produces emotional and behavioral problems because the internalization of associative stigma conveys false negative messages such as
- Certain traits they inherited from their parent make them less worthy
- They are less deserving of understanding and support from the outside world
- Perception of dangerousness – unpredictability
- They are prone to criminality
Re-Discover Dignity and Grace
“Every child has their dignity. Suppose a child is to be constitutionally imagined as an individual with a distinctive personality and not merely as a miniature adult waiting to reach full size. In that case, they cannot be treated as a mere extension of their parents, unbiblically destined to sink or swim with them.”
-Justice Albie Sachs (2007)
Justice Albie Sachs’s quote (2007) emphasizes the individuality and inherent dignity of every child, recognizing them as distinct persons with unique personalities. His statement challenges the traditional view that children are simply extensions of their parents, underscoring the importance of acknowledging that children are individuals with their rights and identities.
Conclusion
The power of shame and feelings of unworthiness compel some children to retreat into secrecy and silence, striving to avoid additional humiliation and discrimination. Unfortunately, this isolation exacerbates their disconnection and loneliness, amplifying their alredy existing emotional burdens.
It is essential to understand that the stigmatization faced by these children is rooted in an outdated and erroneous biological model established centuries ago. This enduring prejudice and discrimination have continued to shape public perceptions, perpetuating misconceptions that should have been rendered obsolete long ago.
Therefore, examining the possibility of challenging and dismantling associative stigma and its inherent assumptions in current society is essential. By acknowledging and considering the complexity of the children’s experiences and the harm stigma can inflict on them, we gain a deeper understanding and empathy for children with a parent in prison.
By adopting strategies such as looking beyond stigma and engaging in dynamic thinking—which involves recognizing long-held beliefs as mere “truths”—and countering uninformed notions, we can effectively untangle the threads of stigma. Furthermore, by challenging preconceived notions, we can promote understanding and empathy.
Ultimately, these approaches not only reduce stigma but also foster a more inclusive environment in which childrfen can feel supported. This, in turn, will foster an environment marked by inclusivity and compassion.
As such, we promote social inclusion in line with “Every child matters.“
Further Reading & References
Dawson, E., Brookes, L., & Carter, J. (2013). The psychological effects of parental incarceration on children: A review of research. Journal of Child Psychology, 45(3), 24
DeMasi, M. E., & Teuten Bohn, C. (2020). Psychological stress and associative stigma: Understanding the effects of parental incarceration. Journal of Social Psychology, 58(4), 312-329.
Dovidio, J. F., Major, B., & Crocker, J. (2000). Stigma: Introduction and overview. In T. F. Heatherton, R. E. Kleck, M. R. Hebl, & J. G. Hull (Eds.), The Social Psychology of Stigma (pp. 1-28). Guilford Press.
Knaphus-Soran, E. (2017). Stigma and the educational experience of children of incarcerated parents (Doctoral dissertation). University of Washington. digital.lib.washington.edu
Lombroso, C. (1876). The Criminal Man. Turin, Italy: Bocca. Simply Psychology: https://www.simplypsychology.org/lombroso-theory-of-crime-criminal-man-and-atavism.html
Verhaeghe, P., & Bracke, P. (2012). Associative stigma among mental health professionals: Implications for professional and service user well-being. Psychology & Society, 10(1), 85-99. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22382718/
Sachs, A. (2007). Every child matters: A legal perspective. Human Rights Journal, 22(2), 127-140.
