Describe and explain medieval and early modern processes of stigmatization. Which groupswere labeled as deviant in pre-modern society, in what ways and why? Describe and explainstigma symbols and discuss change and continuities in how and to whom they were applied.Consider the social, political, cultural, religious and economic contexts in which these processesoccurred. In what ways can modern sociological theories of deviance (Goffman, Erikson andothers) inform our understanding of pre-modern marginality? Consider the examples of Jews,prostitutes, executioners and lepers in detail. Were there similarities/differences in the processesof stigmatization these groups underwent? By whom were they stigmatized? Pay close attentionto change over time over the course of the medieval and early modern periods. What differencesand/or similarities do you see between pre-modern versus modern stigma, as discussed byGoffman? What accounts for these differences/similarities? In your discussion draw on Huppert,Western Civ: Social Structure, Goffman, Erikson, Stuart, Hughes, Moore, Spierenburg, all videoassignments on the syllabus for March 31, as well as the visual evidence discussed in lecture(available for review on Canvas under lecture slides. Be sure to consult the speaker’s notes on theslides).Your paper should be8 pages (you may go over), Times New Roman 12 point font, with standard default margins.Include a title page (does not count towards page requirement). You may include images, (butthey also don’t count towards page requirement). Upload your paper as a Microsoft Word or pdffile. Please consult the Writing Guide on the mechanics of writing and constructing an argument.
