Posts

Thesis: When people are labeled, their identities are frequently understood in a limited and perhaps even biased way. This essay makes the case that labels, while occasionally useful in explaining social interactions, often serve to perpetuate stereotypes and impede personal development, which has an adverse effect on one’s sense of self-worth and mental health.

Arguments: first ，studies on stigma by Link and identity management by Goffman show that labels reinforce discrimination and preconceptions. Second, labels can hinder personal growth. This was shown by the BMC psychiatry research, which showed how a mental health diagnosis might obscure other facets of an individual’s personality. Lastly, Kramer’s study indicates that labels can result in poor self-perceptions and social marginalization. Labels have a substantial emotional influence on self-worth and mental health.

Conclusion: Although labels can occasionally aid in understanding and navigating social relationships, they frequently restrict people to specific stereotypes, obstruct personal development, and have a detrimental effect on mental health. Therefore, in order to fully appreciate the intricacy of personal identity, it is crucial to go beyond labels.

Hyperlinks：

1. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322650310_How_is_agile_development_currently_being_used_in_regulated_embedded_domains
2. https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-017-1389-9

Tear off the label， refuse to be defined

abstract

It’s critical to comprehend the meaning of labels and stereotypes in a society where they define people more and more. This viewpoint casts doubt on the idea that identity is unchangeable and absolute. Smith and Lee contend in a paper that will appear in the Journal of societal Psychology 2021 that labels frequently serve to restrict personal potential and uphold discriminatory societal norms. They contend that embracing an ambiguous and flexible self-concept can promote society advancement and individual freedom. I’ll go into the complex link that exists between labels and society, highlighting the value of eschewing preconceptions and appreciating each person’s individuality. along with the complex ways that labels affect one’s social and personal identity.

Argument 1: Maintaining prejudice and stereotypes by labeling.

Labels have the tendency to overgeneralize complex human identities into small categories, which makes them a vehicle for prejudices and preconceptions. This is seen in Link and Ferland’s notion of stigma and in Goffman’s discussion of disrupted identity management. They stress the ways in which labels can result in marginalization and prejudice. (In the final paper, I’ll explore this using some of my own cases.)

Rebuttal: Labeling, on the other hand, can facilitate comprehension and negotiation of social interactions. As Lancaster (2021) comments in The Importance of Emerging Gender and Sexual Identity Labels，New classifications for sexual orientation and gender can aid in more accurate representation of people.

Argument 2: Labeling’s Restrictive Effects on Identity and Personal Development

Labels have a tremendous ability to both define and restrict people, frequently placing rigid restrictions on a person’s ability to establish their identity. As the BMC psychiatry study examined, this phenomena is especially noticeable in the realm of mental health. Labels, especially those connected to mental health diagnoses, can result in reductionist conceptions of a person’s identity that hide other facets of their character and skills. This study emphasizes how these labels contribute to the self-fulfilling prophecy, which prevents people from moving toward self-actualization and personal growth because they internalize and live according to the negative expectations attached to the labels.

Rebuttal：Additionally, hashtags can act as pillars for the development of social identities and a feeling of community.According to Aguirre’s （2020）LinkedIn post, hashtags, particularly for underrepresented groups, may foster a sense of pride and camaraderie. For instance, belonging to a specific ethnic or gender identity can help people connect with others who have gone through similar things, forming a support system that is vital to one’s social and emotional well-being. In a community that supports them, this sense of belonging may be empowering and serve as a foundation for people to explore and claim their identities.

 Argument 3: Labeling’s Emotional Effects on Self-Worth and Mental Health

Labels have a deep and complex emotional impact that can negatively damage a person’s self-esteem and mental health. Labels, which are frequently rife with societal prejudices and preconceptions, have a significant impact on how people see themselves and think others see them. According to Kramer (2020), categorizing people according to their actions and characteristics may ultimately prevent us from learning as much as we might about them. People who are continuously labeled—especially those that have negative connotations or negatively highlight their differences—may experience a decline in self-worth as well as an increase in feelings of inferiority and estrangement. This is particularly true for stigmatizing labels, including those associated with social status, mental health, or certain cultural or ethnic identities. Internalizing these labels can worsen emotions of loneliness, anxiety, and despair as well as result in a decreased sense of one’s own value. The paper that Tally mentions makes reference to this as well. Stigmatizing labels have an emotional cost that extends beyond personal anguish and may have wider societal repercussions. These labels exacerbate the cycle of poor self-perception and social marginalization by increasing the likelihood of discrimination, social exclusion, and restricted access to opportunities and resources.

Rebuttal：In certain cases, labels are beneficial to emotional well-being. They can provide people a framework to make sense of and communicate their experiences and emotions. For instance, giving a name to one’s mental health problems could be relieving for certain people. It can help people feel less alone and more relatable by giving them a sense of understanding and approval for their experiences. This is an important element of mental health, and the first step in getting support and assistance might be recognizing and labeling one’s illness.

Conclusion

This article emphasizes the value of letting people identify themselves independently of social labels by examining the limitations of labels and their effects on both individuals and society. It is essential to comprehend and connect with others without depending on labels in a society where diversity and inclusion are becoming more and more apparent. This promotes the celebration of individual variation and individuality as well as a more inclusive society.

References：

1. Lancaster, V. (n.d.). The importance of emerging gender and sexual identity labels. psychology today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/sexual-self/202112/the-importance-emerging-gender-and-sexual-identity-labels

2. Goffman, E. (1973). Stigma notes on the management of spoiled identity. Google Books.

3. Author links open overlay panelCourtney L. McCluney a, Axt, J. R., DiTomaso, N., Haritatos, J., He, J. C., Heflick, N. A., Houston, L., Petsko, C. D., Ali, A. A., Anicich, E. M., Ashcraft, K. L., Ashforth, B. E., Avery, D. R., Barker, E., Barrick, M. R., Baugh, J., Bell, E., Benet-Martínez, V., Bertrand, M., … Cha, S. E. (2021, July 29). To be, or not to be…black: The effects of racial codeswitching on perceived professionalism in the workplace. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022103121001025

4. Aguirre, L. (2020, December 2). The harmful effects of labeling people (ourselves and others), plus finding hope for the future. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/harmful-effects-labeling-people-ourselves-others-plus-leigh-aguirre

5. Dolphin, L., & Hennessy, E. (2017a, June 24). Labelling effects and adolescent responses to peers with depression: An experimental investigation – BMC psychiatry. BioMed Central. https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-017-1389-9

6. Tally, M. (n.d.). Self-labeling and its effects among adolescents diagnosed with mental disorders. Social science & medicine (1982). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19084313/

7. Kramer, B. (2022, October 12). Council post: Why it’s time to stop labeling ourselves and those around Us. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2019/05/21/why-its-time-to-stop-labeling-ourselves-and-those-around-us/?sh=11510df3433d

argument: the effects of labels emotionally on self-worth and psychological wellness.

Research involving teenagers has revealed that labels—like those linked to depression—may have a detrimental effect on how they view themselves and their prospects for the future.

Source: Dolphin, L., & Hennessy, E. (2017, June 24). Labelling effects and adolescent responses to peers with depression: An experimental investigation – BMC psychiatry. BioMed Central. https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-017-1389-9

2nd argument: Restrictions of labels on identity and personal development

Source:One of the sources I looked up was about how labels that represent a person’s sexual and gender identity are important for self-concept and self-development.

Lancaster, V. (n.d.). The importance of emerging gender and sexual identity labels. psychology today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/sexual-self/202112/the-importance-emerging-gender-and-sexual-identity-labels

1.Thesis: An introduction to the idea of labels in society and the significance of avoiding confinement by them. stressing the importance of uniqueness and the dangers of stereotypes.

2.Argument 1:the part labels play in maintaining bias and preconceptions.

counter-argument:In order to comprehend and navigate social dynamics, labels might be helpful.

3. Argument 2:Restrictions of labels on identity and personal development

Counter-argument: A feeling of social identity and belonging is given by labels.

4. Argument 3:the effects of labels emotionally on self-worth and psychological wellness.

counter-argument:Labels may help with self-understanding and create clarity.

5. conclusion: The limits of labels, the effects they have on people both personally and socially, and the significance of letting people determine who they are. Understanding people and relating to them without attaching labels is crucial.

First argument: Decreasing of Prejudice and Stereotyping

Eliminating labels and declining to be described is a potent protest against the persistence of discrimination and preconceptions. Social psychologists describe stereotypes as oversimplified assumptions concerning a group of individuals. People who are given labels frequently find themselves constrained by these preconceived notions. This restriction encourages discrimination in addition to limiting freedom of expression. “The Nature of Prejudice” by Allport (1954) defines prejudice as a hostility based on a flawed and unbending generalization. It is capable of being perceived or spoken, and it can be aimed at a group as a whole or at specific people just because they belong to that group.

Gradually emerging in a world increasingly defined by labels and stereotypes is the notion of liberating oneself from these constraints and eschewing labels. viewpoint challenges the conventional notion that identity is absolute and immutable. article published in the Journal of Social Psychology 2021, Smith and Lee argue that labels have a tendency to restrict the capabilities of individuals and sustain prejudiced societal attitudes. Adopting a fluid and undefinable notion of self, they argue, can result in increased personal liberty and social progress. This argument examines the underlying principles that support the rejection of conventional labels and investigates the consequences that this position may have on one’s sense of self and societal conventions.

Through Doug Caruso’s presentation, I learned how bad fake news can be. Fake news usually contains false or misleading information. This leads many people to choose to believe and make decisions based on incorrect information. The ranges involved can be in health, finance, and public safety, all of which can have serious consequences. Fake news also triggers emotions and can exacerbate social divisions. There are a number of social conflicts that arise, deepening social divisions and exacerbating tensions. More and more different forms of social media are now emerging. Social media platforms play a crucial role in the spread of real and fake news. Theirs generally prioritize appealing content, which may include false information, thus expanding the reach of fake news. I looked for an example of disinformation: the “pizza-gate” conspiracy theory that emerged during the 2016 U.S. presidential election. This disinformation led a man to open fire in a restaurant, claiming he was there to “investigate” the conspiracy theory. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but the incident highlights the dangerous consequences of fake news in the real world. This is a time to consider how to avoid disinformation. When reading the news, it is comforting to know that poor grammar, excessive use of capitalization and emotional language may indicate that the source is not credible. Sites such as Snopes, FactCheck.org and PolitiFact can also be used to help verify the validity of news stories.

1. Goffman, E. (1963). Stigma: Notes on the Management of Spoiled Identity.

What: Goffman examines the idea of stigma and how it creates a label that characterizes people in a certain way, frequently to their detriment. Understanding how identities are socially constructed and the potent impacts of labeling is made possible thanks in large part to Goffman’s theory. Those who research the sociology of identity and social interaction will find this work especially helpful.

Who: Erving Goffaman

Why：This article writes something about the concept of shame. One of the bad effects of labeling is shame. A lot of times there are there are people who are forced to put some labels on them and one of the bad effects of these labels is shame. That’s why I think this book is important for my article.

When：In 1963, this article was published. It is most likely true that the concepts and cases are somewhat different now because it is a long time ago. However, I don’t think that shame will have a different effect on people because the consequences of what happens remain the same, regardless of the periods.

Where：Google books

How：I began by doing a Google search first. Several books discuss how labels affect individuals. Then, Google Books appeared as a URL. I then used Google Books to look up the impact of labeling. Numerous books surfaced. After reading the overview, I decided to read Erving Goffman’s work.

2.Link, B. G., & Phelan, J. C. (2001). Conceptualizing Stigma.

What：Link and Phelan offer a solid foundation for comprehending the mechanisms via which stigma is exacerbated by labeling. They contend that stigma arises when discrimination, separation, labeling, stereotyping, and status loss coexist in a system of power that permits them.

Who:Bruce G. Link1 and Jo C. Phelan

Why:In fact, the mention of shame in this piece is a lot similar in the book mentioned above. Additionally, this essay develops a more comprehensive framework to clarify the procedure, connection between labeling and shame, etc. It was quite helpful to me with my article.

When：This article was posted in 2001, which is close to the present time. Doesn’t really make a difference.

Where：Annual review

How：I started with a google search: articles on shame and labeling. And then found this article.

3. Marsy B.(2013). The Power of Labels.

What：Examines the enormous effects that social labels have on people’s emotions, ideas, and actions. Belon examines the dynamics of labeling oneself and being tagged by others, highlighting the profound psychological effects of labels, particularly on young people and adults.

Who：Marsy Berson

Why：This article looks at how labels can cause distortions in our behavior and self-perception by acting as unseen influences on our thoughts and actions. This is a good fit for my article. It explores the nuanced ways in which labels mold our identities and stresses the significance of comprehending and negotiating these labels in order to enhance mental health and general wellbeing.

When：posted in 2013，Very close to now.

Where：Google books

How：I searched Google books directly for the effect of labels on people and then chose this one out of the many that came up.

4. Matt L. Drabek(2014). Classify and Label The Unintended Marginalization of Social Groups.

 What: This work offers a thorough philosophical analysis of social science’s function in daily life. The classification and labeling of communities has profound moral, sociological, and political ramifications that are explored throughout the book. Drabek investigates the subject with a range of case studies from a variety of disciplines, including psychiatric classifications like gender and sexual orientation, sadomasochism, and gender dysphoria, as well as real-world situations like the creation of pornography and gender identity concerns.

Who: Matt L. Drabek

Why: The book emphasizes that the use of labels is critical to how individuals navigate and make sense of the world around them. I have been inspired to write articles after reading this book.

When:  2014

Where: google books

How: Similar to the last piece, I looked for the impact of labels on people directly on Google Books and selected this one from the list of results.

1. Kramer, B. (2022, October 12). Council post: Why it’s time to stop labeling ourselves and those around Us. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2019/05/21/why-its-time-to-stop-labeling-ourselves-and-those-around-us/?sh=b702992433dd
2. American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Apa PsycNet. American Psychological Association. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1995-17409-001
3. Aguirre, L. (2020, December 2). The harmful effects of labeling people (ourselves and others), plus finding hope for the future. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/harmful-effects-labeling-people-ourselves-others-plus-leigh-aguirre