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Structural Stigma and Tourette Syndrome

Category: Book chapters

People:

Malli, M.A., Martindale, J.M. (2025). Structural Stigma and Tourette Syndrome. In: Bennett, G., Goodall, E. (eds) The Palgrave Encyclopedia of Disability. Palgrave Macmillan,  (Springer Nature).

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-40858-8_386-1 https://link.springer.com/rwe/10.1007/978-3-031-40858-8_386-1

 

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by multiple motor and at least one vocal tic, with onset in childhood and persistence for more than 1 year. Although TS is widely recognized as a stigmatized condition, comparatively little attention has been paid to the structural forms of stigma that shape the lived experiences of individuals with TS. Much of the existing literature centers on interpersonal stigma and individual coping strategies, often drawing on Goffman’s interactionist framework, which emphasizes social encounters between the stigmatized and the “normal.” This entry argues for a broader, more critical approach that incorporates structural stigma—defined as the societal-level conditions, institutional policies, and cultural norms that systematically constrain the rights, opportunities, and well-being of stigmatized groups. Drawing on recent theoretical developments and empirical research, the entry examines how structural stigma operates across key domains including healthcare, education, employment, and media. Specific examples include the absence of national clinical guidelines, the underfunding of TS services, discriminatory labor practices, and stereotypical or sensationalized media portrayals. In critiquing the limitations of Goffman’s model, the entry calls for a more systemic analysis that foregrounds power relations, institutional neglect, and embedded bias. By shifting the analytical focus beyond individual interactions, this entry underscores the need for structural reform to reduce stigma, advance equity, and support the full societal participation of individuals living with TS.

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