When the suburb of Lakewood, California, was first built in 1950, it refused to sell houses to Jewish families, as well as African Americans and Hispanics. However, within a few years, the developers reversed this policy and started selling homes to families regardless of religious faith or ethnicity. What does this tell us about stigma?
A) Stigma leaves permanent marks on those it affects.
B) Stigma is only a problem in areas where money is involved.
C) Stigmatized identities can be overcome through passing.
D) People with stigmatized identities usually become "outsiders" who embrace their deviance.
E) Stigmatized identities change over time.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that the policy of refusing to sell homes based on certain identities was reversed within a few years shows that stigmatized identities can change over time. This change can happen due to various reasons, such as societal or legal pressures or a realization of the unfairness of such policies. It is important to note that this does not mean that the effects of stigma disappear entirely, but rather that progress towards acceptance and inclusivity can be made.

When the Suburb of Lakewood, California, Was First Built in 1950