INTRODUCTION

Stigma refers to negative attitudes, beliefs, or stereotypes that people hold towards
individuals or groups based on their perceived differences from the norm, such as their
race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, health status, or other characteristics.
Discrimination, on the other hand, involves the unfair treatment or exclusion of
individuals or groups based on these same characteristics.

One definition of stigma comes from Link and Phelan (2001), who state that stigma
"exists when elements of labeling, stereotyping, separation, status loss, and
discrimination occur in a power situation that allows them." They go on to describe how
stigma can lead to social, economic, and health disparities for those who are
stigmatized.

A definition of discrimination can be found in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

(1948), which states that "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and
rights... Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration,
without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or
another opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or another status."

Together, stigma and discrimination can have harmful effects on individuals and society
as a whole, perpetuating inequality and social injustice.

Breaking Stigma and Discrimination: A Qualitative Research that Studies the

Experiences of Grade 11 Students That Experienced Discrimination is a study that aims
to shed light on the experiences of high school students who have faced discrimination.
The study focuses on grade 11 students in particular, as this is a critical time in their
development and identity formation. The study uses a qualitative approach to gain a
deep understanding of the experiences of these students.

As stated by Corrigan and Penn (2015), stigma and discrimination have negative effects
on individuals' mental and physical health, as well as on their social and economic
opportunities. Therefore, it is important to address these issues and promote acceptance
and understanding. The study seeks to contribute to this goal by highlighting the
experiences of students who have faced discrimination, with the hope of raising
awareness and facilitating change.

Through interviews with grade 11 students who have experienced discrimination, the
study explores the types of discrimination they have faced, the impact it has had on
them, and their coping strategies. The study also examines the role of school policies
and practices in addressing discrimination.

The findings of this study have important implications for educators, policymakers, and
the broader community. By understanding the experiences of students who have faced
discrimination, strategies can be developed to prevent and address these issues,
creating a more inclusive and accepting environment.
Reference:
Corrigan, P. W., & Penn, D. L. (2015). The social psychology of stigma. Routledge.

World Health Organization. (2019). Mental health: strengthening our response.

Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-
strengthening-our-response

United Nations. (2015). Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development. Retrieved from
https://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/RES/70/1&Lang=E

Mental Health America. (2021). Mental health conditions: stigma and discrimination.
Retrieved from https://www.mhanational.org/issues/stigma-and-discrimination