Advanced marginality and stigma

Abstract

This chapter explores the social and psychological impacts on poverty and inequality through the concepts of ‘advanced marginality’ and ‘stigma’. The analysis of social stigma is influenced by Loïc Wacquant's argument that the ‘underclass’ discourse corrodes not only social ties, but also the sense of self-worth of people living in the poorest areas and communities. The majority of social work takes place in these communities, where high rates of poverty, poor housing, high rates of crime and problems such as substance misuse are common. The chapter first considers the term ‘underclass’ before discussing the notion and implications of the term ‘advanced marginality’. It then examines E. Goffman's notion of stigma, Wacquant's arguments regarding ‘territorial stigmatisation’, and the impact of stigma and its links with modern representations of poverty. Finally, it describes the dynamics of anti-welfarism and uses the case of Mick Philpott to illustrate the ‘benefits brood’ stereotype.