Excessive Shame and Gradual Resistance:The Social Integration of Stigmatized Groups
Despite undergoing significant punishment and re-socialization efforts,stigmatized groups,having shed their deviant traits,still struggle to gain recognition and acceptance from the public,perpetuating various forms of social risks that threaten stability.As a long-overlooked demographic,how do stigmatized groups form,how are they perceived,and how can the social integration dilemmas they face,along with associated risks,be mitigated?Typically,stigmatized groups undergo a process of stigmatization rooted in weak emotional attachments,pervasive social discrimination,and negative self-perceptions.Yet,shame,originally directed at deviant behavior,irrationally extends to encompass human nature itself.This excessive shame ensnares stigmatized groups in social inclusion dilemmas across economic,cultural,behavioral,identity dimensions,and gradually fueling societal risks through a state of escalating resistance.To resolve these dilemmas,it is imperative to reshape the impact of shame by empowering stigmatized groups,bolstering their resilience against excessive shame,and fostering a softer societal environment to weaken the internal forces perpetuating excessive shame.