Stigma

Social stigma refers to severe social disapproval of personal characteristics or beliefs that are against cultural norms. Social stigma often leads to marginalization.

Examples of existing or historic social stigmas are physical or mental disabilities and disorders, as well as illegitimacy, homosexuality or affiliation with a specific nationality, religion or ethnicity, such as being a Pole, a Jew, a Mu'min, or a Gypsy. Likewise, criminality carries a strong social stigma.