Identity Management of Stigmatized Divorced Jordanian Woman: An Approach from Goffman's Social Stigma Perspective

Abstract

This study aims to explore the management of identity among stigmatized divorced Jordanian women within four areas: concealment, escape (isolation), disregard, and rebellion. It is based on social surveys and interviews and applied to a sample of 214 divorced women and 10 cases from the study population. The study revealed that the stigmatized divorced woman attempts to "conceal" information about herself in the presence of others who know her, appearing as a normal person to them, and trying to build a false identity around her stigma. She tends to "escape (isolate)" to avoid society's judgment and does not want others to know her identity. She also "disregards" everything she hears from the surrounding community, such as opinions, criticism, comments, and hurtful hints. Additionally, she tends to "rebel," no longer caring about others' opinions, publicly rejecting anything inappropriate, and resisting those who attempt to undermine her character. The results showed statistically significant differences (α≤0.05) in participants' responses, attributed to variables such as "age," "monthly income," "current profession," and "number of marriages." However, no significant differences were found related to variables like "education level," "duration of marriage," "number of children from the ex-husband," "regret over the divorce," and "divorce as a change for the better." The study recommends that divorced women view themselves as complete individuals like anyone else, not to be ashamed of their situation, and not to attempt to conceal their stigma. It also advises them to adapt to their situation to gain social acceptance and behave in a proper manner to show that they are not a burden to anyone.