Exploring Stigma, Resistance, and Deviance: Goffman, Rajah, and Parkour

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

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Step-by-Step Guide for Writing Your Paper

1. Understand the Assignment

• You have four main questions in this assignment. Each requires a thoughtful and detailed response based on Goffman’s work and the readings you’ve been given. Focus on explaining the concepts clearly and drawing connections between the theories and real-life applications.

2. Break Down the Questions

• Question 1: Identify and discuss the three types of stigma as outlined by Goffman (p. 254), paying attention to their impact on social identity.
• Question 2: Explore Goffman’s dual perspective on stigmatization, explaining the difference between stigma that is “known about” or “evident” vs. stigma that is “not immediately apparent” (p. 257).
• Question 3: Evaluate Rajah’s expansion of edgework into resistance to violence in intimate relationships, looking at risk thresholds, rewards of resistance, and examples.
• Question 4: Critique parkour (free-running) as both a popular culture activity and a deviant label, applying the concepts of resistance and edgework, and predict its future popularity.

3. Review the Relevant Texts

• Goffman’s Stigma (p. 254-257): Take note of the three types of stigma Goffman identifies and how each affects social identity. Pay close attention to his discussion on the dual perspective of stigma.
• Rajah’s Edgework (pp. 234-240): Focus on how Rajah links edgework to resistance in intimate relationships. Look for examples of how people push against violence and control.
• Parkour and Deviance: Understand how parkour is framed as both an activity of resistance and an act that is often labeled as deviant.

4. Addressing Question 1: The Three Types of Stigma

• Types of Stigma: According to Goffman, the three types of stigma are:
  1. Abominations of the body (physical deformities, disabilities, etc.)
  2. Blemishes of individual character (addictions, criminal behavior, etc.)
  3. Tribal stigma (race, ethnicity, religion, etc.)
• Impact on Social Identity: Each type of stigma affects how the person is perceived in society. For instance, physical deformities may lead to rejection due to visible differences, while tribal stigma can result in systemic marginalization and discrimination. Consider how these stigmas create barriers in social interaction, often leading to feelings of shame, alienation, and diminished social standing.
• Most Difficult to Overcome: Discuss which stigma is the hardest to overcome in society. You might argue that tribal stigma (such as race or ethnicity) is often the most difficult to overcome, as it can be deeply ingrained in societal structures and is hard to hide.

5. Addressing Question 2: The Dual Perspective of Stigmatization

• Known vs. Not Immediately Apparent Stigma:
  • Evident Stigma: This is stigma that others can easily see or know about, such as physical deformities or criminal history. It is openly recognized and labeled by society.
  • Discreditable Stigma: This stigma is not immediately apparent, such as mental illness, addiction, or past trauma. In social interactions, the person may try to conceal this stigma, but if revealed, it can affect how they are perceived and treated.
• Constant Process of Definition: Explain how stigma isn’t a final, static judgment but a process that can change depending on context, relationships, and new information. The way stigma is understood can shift in different social settings.

6. Addressing Question 3: Rajah’s Expansion of Edgework

• Edgework and Resistance: Edgework, originally referring to risk-taking in dangerous activities, is expanded by Rajah to encompass risk-taking in the context of resisting violence and control in intimate relationships.
• Risk Thresholds and Rewards: Discuss the psychological and emotional thresholds involved in resisting control or violence. What are the potential rewards of such resistance (e.g., empowerment, autonomy)? What are the risks (e.g., further violence, social isolation)?
• Examples of Edgework Resistance: Look for examples in the reading where individuals take risks in resisting control or violence. These can include actions like escaping abusive relationships, standing up to authority figures, or fighting back in oppressive situations.

7. Addressing Question 4: Parkour as Resistance and Deviance

• Parkour and Resistance: Parkour is both an expression of physical freedom and an act of resistance against traditional physical norms. It challenges societal expectations of how bodies should move or behave.
• Deviant Label: While parkour is increasingly popular, it is also viewed by some as deviant—perhaps because it is seen as reckless or non-conformist. The label of deviance comes from societal rules about public space and behavior.
• Resistance and Edgework: Link parkour to the concepts of resistance and edgework. How does parkour challenge authority, norms, or expectations? How is it similar to edgework in terms of pushing physical, mental, and social boundaries?
• Future Popularity of Parkour: Evaluate whether parkour will become more or less popular. Consider cultural trends, media attention, and the growing interest in extreme sports. You might argue that its popularity will increase due to its appeal as an anti-establishment, freedom-based activity.

8. Organize Your Paper

• Introduction: Briefly introduce the concepts of stigma, edgework, and deviance. State your approach to answering the questions.
• Body: Break the body into four main sections, each addressing one question. Ensure each section is clearly defined and follows a logical structure.
• Conclusion: Summarize your key points and discuss the broader implications of stigma, resistance, and deviance in contemporary society.

9. Editing and Revising

• After drafting, carefully proofread your paper to ensure clarity and coherence. Make sure each question is answered thoroughly with adequate examples and references to the readings.
• Check your citations to ensure they are in proper APA format.