Anticipated Stigma in Professional Settings Influences Self-Presentation Strategies
The term "stigma" refers to negative social reactions towards individuals who do not conform to societal norms or expectations. It can have various origins, such as gender identity, race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and physical appearance. Anticipated stigma is when an individual expects that they will be judged negatively due to their perceived characteristics. This anticipation can influence how people present themselves in professional settings, affecting their behavior, attitudes, beliefs, and values.
In professional settings, individuals may experience stigma based on their personal characteristics, job performance, or workplace policies.
Employees from minority groups may face discrimination due to stereotypes about their backgrounds, while those in positions of power might feel pressure to act like their superiors. Gender stereotypes are also common, where men are expected to behave assertively and women to act more submissively.
Anticipated stigma leads people to adopt self-presentation strategies that align with societal standards. They may downplay certain aspects of their identity or focus on others to avoid judgment.
A gay man may emphasize his intelligence rather than his sexuality during interviews to reduce bias against homosexuality. Similarly, a transgender woman may dress in a feminine manner to appear more credible. These strategies create a false sense of self-presentation, where individuals hide parts of themselves to fit into the dominant narrative.
These strategies can also lead to psychological distress and impede authenticity. Individuals may feel the need to conceal their true selves, leading to internalized negative messages and reduced self-esteem. They may even change their behaviors, leading to burnout, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. The consequences of this can extend beyond the individual to the organization's productivity and innovation.
Companies must address anticipated stigma through inclusive policies and diversity training. This involves creating safe spaces for open dialogue, promoting positive representations of diverse identities, and recognizing unconscious biases in hiring practices. It requires cultural competence, empathy, and understanding of different perspectives, values, and beliefs.
Anticipated stigma in professional settings influences self-presentation strategies by encouraging individuals to conform to societal norms.
It can lead to negative outcomes such as psychological distress, loss of authenticity, and reduced productivity. Companies must address this issue with inclusive policies and cultural competence to foster a safe and supportive work environment.
How does anticipated stigma in professional settings influence self-presentation strategies?
People often experience significant psychological and emotional challenges when they have to face prejudices from others because of their identities (e. g. , race, gender, sexuality, disability). In addition to the immediate effects that these attitudes can cause on an individual's wellbeing, they also may alter their behavioral patterns by encouraging them to change their appearance or behavior according to society's expectations. This process is known as "self-presentation" or "impression management.