- Definition
Stigma is when people have negative opinions or make unfair judgments about someone or a group, often leading to them being treated badly.
The unfair idea that a student who uses a wheelchair cannot be a good athlete is a form of stigma.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Stigma is like an unfair label someone gets, like being called 'slow,' which makes others not want to pick them for their team.
Ask your child: Why do you think some kids get picked last for team games?
Common mix-up: Kids may confuse stigma with simple teasing or a personal dislike. Stigma is a broader, unfair belief about a person based on a group they belong to or a characteristic they have.
Examples
- The belief that certain sports are 'for boys' or 'for girls' is a stigma.
- Assuming someone isn't a good runner because of their body size is a stigma.
- Believing that someone who isn't naturally athletic can't enjoy or improve at sports.
stigma is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
