Socio-spatial stigmatization and its ‘incorporation’ in the centre of Athens, Greece

Abstract

Considering stigmatization as a process ingrained into power relations, difference and contexts, this paper focuses on how socio-spatial stigmatization is deployed by specific social actors within a broader context of multiple stigmatization of social groups in the city of Athens, Greece. As such, it discusses imposed stigmatization, whereby stigma is attributed to a group and/or a place by external (to the group) actors and further explores what can be termed as ‘incorporated’ stigmatization whereby socio-spatial stigma becomes the central feature around which a group is formed and/or mobilized. Furthermore, in both cases, it explores the consequences of stigmatization, while raising further questions about (de)legitimization.

Key words:

• stigmatization
• power
• Athens
• migration
• crisis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1 The way the term migrant is used here also includes refugees and asylum seekers as well as migrants without permits/documents.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Penny (Panagiota) Koutrolikou

Penny Koutrolikou is a Senior Lecturer in Urban Studies and Planning at the School of Architecture, National Technical University of Athens.