Beyond the Poverty: A Sociological Analysis of the Stigma of Poverty and Coping Strategies among Urban Low-Income Individuals

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

2 PhD in Economic Sociology and Development, Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

Abstract

Poverty has consequences beyond material deprivation and encompasses intangible aspects like stigma. Poverty stigma is a universal characteristic associated with poverty, manifesting as shame and humiliation in public. This study aims to categorize and evaluate strategies for addressing stigma. A qualitative approach was employed in this study, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 20 educated-underprivileged individuals in Iran. Thematic analysis was also conducted to examine the findings.
The results reveal four types of stigma experienced by the participants, depending on the nature of the stigma exposure: no stigma, felt stigma, enacted stigma, and comprehensive stigma. The majority of participants were found to face enacted stigma. Those who have encountered or experienced poverty stigma in their social interactions employ stigma management techniques to mitigate its impact. Strategies such as accepting their current situation, avoiding direct interactions, seeking alternative avenues for growth, pretending to possess wealth, concealing their identity, and practicing reciprocity are all utilized as means of managing stigma.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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