Social stigmatization during pandemic

Abstract

The subject of this article is the social stigmatization. The goal consists in determination and analysis of the forms of social stigmatization in particular conditions of the spread of pandemic. The authors underline that the persons who got affected by coronavirus, as well as their family members and close friends, are being stigmatized. Aggressive and inadequate behavior of the public often manifests with regards to medical personnel who deals directly with the virus. Identification of the factors affecting the process of social stigmatization in the conditions of pandemic would allow reducing the level of psychological tension in the society. The following methods were applied in the course of this research observation and analysis of theoretical sources, news and other broadcasting throughout the 4 weeks of self-isolation regime, analysis of publication in social networks, online survey involving 594 respondents. The empirical base is comprised of statistical data provided by the World Health Organization. The scientific novelty and relevance consist in the fact that Russian sociology does not give due attention to the problems of stigmatization. A particular social situation of pandemic represents a specific social background and field for stigma. In the conditions of pandemic, stigmatization intensifies and takes specific forms: it affects not only the people who differs by social role, appearance or lifestyle, but even those who have mild symptoms of cold. Stigmatization is accompanied by aggression, fear, anxiety, which are often generated by prejudices, stereotypes and rumors.