Stigmatisation – its effects and being released from its hold

1. Stigmatisation – its effects and being released from its hold Ex-prisoners, their families, victims and society

2. Definitions Stigmatisation – branding someone as a disgrace. Discrediting the individual to the extent that their actual social identity differs from the societal view. Shame - a state of humiliation or disgrace. The person views themselves as “a bad person” and may be hindered by this self titled label. Toxic shame – “you are inadequate and deficient and there is nothing you can do about it” (Booth & Bradshaw) Guilt – an inner conflict brought about through violating a moral standard the person believes in. “I have done a bad thing” A motivator to put things right, turns to shame if no redeeming action takes place.

3. The effects on the released prisoner Marginalisation – feel alienated, don’t belong (Murphy & Helmer 2013) Externalise blame – to avoid the associated feelings but become more angry (ibid, 2013) Devalued social identity – low self esteem depression, powerlessness (Yang et al, 2007). “Master status” – the label becomes who the person is e.g. “just a criminal” (Miller & Kaiser, 2001) Greater stress levels – am I experiencing this because I’m an ex prisoner or for some other reason? (ibid, 2001) Injustice – feeling the effect when aware of injustice being experienced by someone else (ibid 2001) Pressure – to be a “success” and prove that ex prisoners can “make it” (ibid, 2001). Stifles the person’s need to belong (Bastian et al, 2012)

4. The effects on the family Social isolation due to shame of facing others or what others have said. Become secretive to avoid negative reactions (Gordon, 2009). Moving house to avoid the shame or to be nearer the prisoner (ibid, 2009). Depression and anxiety (ibid, 2009).

5. The effects on the child Bullying – children bullied, justification is a parent in prison or is a bully through emotions linked to parent’s imprisonment (Gordon, 2009). Loss of friendships – shame of being seen with a child who’s parent is a “criminal” (ibid, 2009). Greater risk of low self esteem, poor academic achievement and mental or physical health (Yang et al, 2007) Prison visiting – negative attitudes by some prison officers and the emphasis on security reinforce the stigma already experienced Gordon, (2009).

6. The effects on society Avoid responsibility – any societal factors are hidden (Murphy & Helmer, 2013) A more unsafe community – the actions of an ostracised isolated ex offender are less likely to be known Fear – “monsters” in society. Inequality – sections of the community have limited opportunities (Miller & Kaiser, 2001) Dehumanisation – see others as inhuman and behave in that way toward them (Bastian et al, 2012)

7. Shame corrodes the very part of us that believes we are capable of change. Shame derives its power from being unspeakable. We cannot grow when we are in shame and we can’t use shame to change ourselves or others If we can share our story with someone who responds with empathy and understanding, shame can’t survive. Quotes from Bren’e Brown

8. Release from its hold Restorative justice – exposes secrets the “unspeakable”. Forgiveness – shame gets displaced, blaming stops (Murphy & Helmer 2013) Community engagement – counters the stigma and resulting isolation Increased coping skills – able to handle the stresses brought on by the stigma and prejudice (Miller & Kaiser, 2001) No labels – making a conscious choice not to label anyone, no one belongs in a box. Be vulnerable – encourages the stigmatised to do the same resulting in shame lifting.

9. References Bastian B., Jetten J., Chen H., RadkeH.R.M., Harding, J.F., & Fasoli, F. (2012) Losing our humanity: The Self-dehumanising Consequences of Societal Ostracism Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin 39 (2) 156-169 Booth L. & Bradshaw J. Toxic Shame accessed from www.goddirect.org/mindemtn/writings/january/toxicshame.htm Gordon, L. (2009) Invisible Children: First year research report “A study of the children of prisoners” accessed from www.pillars.org.nz/research-and-evaluation/research-reports.html Miller C.T. & Kaiser, C.R. (2001) A Theoretical Perspective on Coping with Stigma Journal of Social Issues Vol. 57 No. 1 2001 p.p. 73-92 Murphy K. & HelmerI. (2013) Testing the Importance of forgiveness for reducing repeat offending Australia & New Zealand Journal of Criminology 46 (1) 138-156. Yang L.H., KleinmanA., Link B., Phelan J.C., Sing L., & Good B. (2007) Culture and Stigma: Adding moral experience to stigma theory Social science & Medicine 64 (2007) 1524-1535.