In sociological terms, social stigma is best described as which of the following?

• A. Extreme disapproval or discontent with a person or group.
• B. A legal process for divorce.
• C. A type of economic policy.
• D. A religious ritual.

Answer: (A)

Social stigma is about the way society reacts to certain traits by showing strong disapproval and demeaning other people or groups. It captures the idea that individuals are marked as different or inferior in the eyes of others, leading to negative treatment and exclusion. This makes the description of extreme disapproval or discontent the best fit.

It’s not about legal actions, like divorce; not about economic policies; and not about religious rites. Those describe different social processes or institutions, while stigma specifically centers on social judgment and the subsequent treatment of those labeled. For example, people with mental health conditions often face stigma through negative attitudes and discrimination, even though there may be no legal or religious components involved.