Don't ask, don't tell : a hidden tool of oppression : single mother's beliefs, media, stereotypes, and stigma : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand
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Date
2018
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Massey University
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Abstract
As a social construction at structural level, stigma exerts significant impact on the
wellbeing of individuals, yet within the socio-cultural and political landscape stigma is
utilised as legitimate form of social control with few mechanisms for limitation – despite
links to discrimination and prejudice. Previous literature has found associations between
discrimination and long term ill-health of those targeted, with relationships identified
between system-justification (belief in the justness of society) and threat cardiovascular
reactivity. Dominant mainstream media have been identified performing a significant
structural role in the propagation of stigma. Single mothers are stigmatised and targeted
by media and society, with a growing body of research reporting health disparities for
them in poorer psychological and physical health outcomes. The aim of this study was to
explore single mothers’ system beliefs, views of media and their lived experience of
stigma, whilst collecting contextual demographic and health data. Eleven women
participated, watching mainstream media headlines with interviews conducted
afterwards. A social constructionist orientation and thematic approach was employed to
analyse the women’s talk. Thematic analysis revealed a hidden culture single mothers
recognised underlying injustices. Where “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” has previously been
utilised to ease participation for stigmatised individuals, this was identified in this study
as a discourse of dehumanisation. Single mothers illuminate this as strategic practice
employed by media, society, and institutions to mutual benefit, perpetuating single
mothers’ oppression – irrespective of their adherence to neoliberal dogma.
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Keywords
Single mothers, New Zealand, Attitudes, Stigma (Social psychology), Mass media and public opinion, Public welfare, Social aspects, single mothers, system-justification, health