Abstract

OMOTE, Sadao. Stigma in the time of inclusion. Rev. bras. educ. espec. [online]. 2004, vol.10, n.03, pp.287-308. ISSN 1413-6538.

The article analyzes the social construction of deviancy starting from social meanings attributed to differences that don’t adjust to normative expectations. It points out the reactions of an audience as critical variables in the deviancy construction and maintenance, since no quality is inherently advantageous or disadvantageous from the social stand point. The stigma is treated as a social mark of discredit and inferiority of the people belonging to some deviance category. It performs the function of social control for the collective life maintenance. The idea that the deviancies and stigmata are necessary in the construction of an inclusive society is suggested, exactly because there is a wide range of inequalities there. The stigma is an integral part of inclusion, and this is the great dilemma to be faced by human societies that need to deal with the inequalities. The community life of different persons, without present existing social inequalities and with the respect to the diversity, needs to coexist with the social control by means of stigma.

Keywords : Inclusion; Deviancy; Stigma; Social Control.

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