Suppose that Al is obese, and you are prejudiced against obese people. Which of the following would be the BEST example of stigma by association?
A)You evaluate people less positively when you find out they are friends with Al.
B)You assume that because Al is obese, he probably has several other negative qualities as well (slovenliness, inarticulateness, etc.).
C)You assume that Al is similar to other obese people.
D)You try not to associate with Al because at some level you are afraid (albeit irrationally)of becoming obese yourself.

Question

Suppose that Al is obese, and you are prejudiced against obese people. Which of the following would be the BEST example of stigma by association?
A)You evaluate people less positively when you find out they are friends with Al.
B)You assume that because Al is obese, he probably has several other negative qualities as well (slovenliness, inarticulateness, etc.).
C)You assume that Al is similar to other obese people.
D)You try not to associate with Al because at some level you are afraid (albeit irrationally)of becoming obese yourself.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Stigma by association refers to the phenomenon where individuals are stigmatized not because of their own characteristics or behaviors, but because they are associated with others who are stigmatized. In this case, evaluating people less positively because they are friends with Al, who is obese and the target of prejudice, is a clear example of stigma by association.

Suppose That Al Is Obese, and You Are Prejudiced Against