The silent burden of stigmatisation: a qualitative study among Dutch people with a low socioeconomic position

• DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5210-6
• Publication Date: 2018-04-04T02:59:51Z
• Authors: Audrey M. W. Simons; Inge Houkes; Annemarie Koster; Daniëlle A. I. Gr...; Hans Bosma
• Keywords: Affect; Individualistic culture

In-depth qualitative research into perceived socioeconomic position-related stigmatisation among people living at the lower end of our hierarchy is necessary for getting more insight in possible downside an increasingly meritocratic and individualistic society. Seventeen interviews were conducted a group Dutch with low position to examine their experiences stigmatisation, how they coped it what as consequences. Social reactions by participants related being inferior, physically recognisable poor person, responsible own financial problems. Participants less experience poverty, heterogeneous social network greater sense responsibility seemed be aware stigmas than long-term homogeneous responsibility. Perceived mainly had emotional To maintain certain level self-respect, tried escape from reality, showed strengths or confronted other who expressed negative attitudes towards them. Despite good intentions policies enhance self-reliance, active citizenship, these societal beliefs might affect hierarchies making them feel ashamed blamed, especially when cannot meet expectations treated disrespectfully, unjustly unequally workers volunteers charity organisations.