Final answer:
The difference between conspicuous and concealable stigma as described by Erving Goffman is that conspicuous stigma is immediately apparent and cannot be hidden, while concealable stigma is not immediately obvious and can be hidden. Both types of stigma can lead to discrimination and prejudice, but they require different strategies to counteract.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to sociologist Erving Goffman, the difference between conspicuous stigma and concealable stigma is key to understanding how individuals are perceived and treated in society. Conspicuous stigma refers to a characteristic that is immediately apparent to others and cannot easily be hidden, such as physical disabilities or distinctive features. On the other hand, concealable stigma pertains to characteristics that are not immediately obvious and can be hidden, such as certain illnesses, mental disorders, or past experiences.
Individuals with a conspicuous stigma are often subject to immediate prejudice and discrimination as their difference is visible and can quickly become a defining characteristic in the eyes of others. For example, someone with a visible physical disability may be labeled by society primarily based on that disability. Meanwhile, individuals with a concealable stigma, like mental illness or a history of homelessness, may fear exposure and experience stress over keeping their condition private, which can also lead to significant psychological distress and social isolation.
The difference between these types of stigma can affect the level of discrimination one experiences, and although both are detrimental, the strategies to counteract them differ. Conspicuous stigmas are often addressed through societal awareness and integration efforts, while concealable stigmas might be handled with privacy and support networks that respect an individual's choice to disclose their condition.