Stigma Consciousness at Work

Abstract

Targets of stigma encounter more than their fair share of disrespect from others. Moreover, targets who chronically attend to their stigmatized status exhibit a heightened sensitivity to these displays of disrespect (Pinel, 2004). A longitudinal study investigates this perceived lack of respect as it relates to work-related attitudes and behavior. Female staff workers indicated their stigma consciousness levels with respect to being a staff worker and a woman, the extent to which they felt respected by the people they serve, and their intentions to leave their job. Two years later they indicated whether or not they had left their job. Results indicate that stigma consciousness with respect to being a staff worker predicted intent to leave and that feeling disrespected mediated this effect. Moreover, these intentions to leave translated into actual behavior. The discussion considers these findings in terms of research on targets of stereotypes and the high turnover rate in the service profession.