What term describes a set of negative and unfair beliefs that a society or group holds about a person or group?

• A. Stigma
• B. Bias
• C. Prejudice
• D. Stereotype

Answer: (A)

Stigma describes the social devaluation and discrediting of individuals or groups based on a trait or perceived difference. When a society holds negative and unfair beliefs about a person or group, those beliefs become a stigmatizing force that marks people as lesser and justifies unequal treatment. This isn’t just about an individual’s attitude or a generic generalization; it’s about how the community collectively assigns worth and acts in ways that exclude or discriminate, reinforcing the negative label. While bias, prejudice, and stereotypes relate to attitudes or beliefs, stigma specifically captures the social process of devaluation and the concrete consequences that follow for those labeled as different.