Gender Stigma: Learning of Normative models, Bullying and, Resilience Strategies

Abstract

This article proposes a critical review of the literature about the creation, transmission-learning and dealing with stigma and discrimination of both women and LGTBQ people. The article reviews the evolution of the uses of the concept of stigma in the social psychology and, considering the Heterosex-ism and Genderism theories, proposes the concept of “gender stigma” for a comprehensive study of the stigmatization process that originate in the gender system and affect women and those that doesn't fit into the heteronormative frames. Considering the different transmission-learning models proposed by basic psychology, the article focuses on the evaluative conditioning, as this new approach focuses on (dis)liking which is at the center of transmission and learning of a stigma. The article focuses on gender bullying as an instrument of transmission and learning of the stigma and its effect. After analyzing the psycho-social consequences of gender stigma for its bearers, the article considers, in the perspective of “positive psychology”, the coping and empowerment strategies used by stigmatized people to deal with stigma and the creation of resilience.