Authors:

  • Michèle Lamont

Excerpt

June 2018, Paper: "This Presidential Address offers elements for a systematic and cumulative study of destigmatization, or the process by which low-status groups gain recognition and worth. Contemporary sociologists tend to focus on inequality in the distribution of resources, such as occupation, education, and wealth. Complementing this research, this address draws attention to “recognition gaps,” defined as disparities in worth and cultural membership between groups in a society. Drawing on research I have conducted, I first describe how neoliberalism promotes growing recognition gaps. Then, drawing on research on stigmatized groups across several societies..."

Harvard author's website (non-HKS): Michèle Lamont