The Importance of Personal Image and the Stigmatization of Visible Face Differences in Romanian Society
The Importance of Personal Image and the Stigmatization of Visible Face Differences in Romanian Society

Summary/Abstract: People with visible face differences in Romania face stigma in the context of the growing importance of body image in contemporary Romanian society, influenced by mass media and advertising. Social constructionism, labelling theory and Pierre Bourdieu's symbolic capital are the main theoretical fields from the perspective of which the research subject is analysed. The article investigates, through qualitative methods, the emotional, social, educational and labour market challenges faced by this category of people from the perspective of Romanian professional staff with whom individuals with visible facial differences interact. The results show that people with disfigurements are prone to discrimination, disadvantages related to study or employment opportunities, early school dropout, unemployment, frequent job changes or lower-paid jobs. They also experience difficulties in establishing personal relationships, marginalization, isolation, stigmatization, harassment. Strategies suggested by respondents to address these challenges included awareness and information campaigns at all levels for better social integration, providing training to professionals to improve their capacity to respond in an inclusive manner. In conclusion, the study highlights the imperative need to make people with disfigurements heard in society by understanding their experiences and needs, eliminating negative connotations associated with the perception of their appearance, and reforming social perception through training activities, especially among professionals.

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