THE SOCIAL SIGNIFICANCE OF SHORT STATURE: A STUDY OF THE PROBLEMS OF DWARFS AND MIDGETS.
Item
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Title
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THE SOCIAL SIGNIFICANCE OF SHORT STATURE: A STUDY OF THE PROBLEMS OF DWARFS AND MIDGETS.
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Identifier
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AAI8302534
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identifier
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8302534
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Creator
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MONEYMAKER, JAMES MATHEW.
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Contributor
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Edward Sagarin
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Date
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1982
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Sociology, Public and Social Welfare
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Abstract
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This study is an examination of the physical, social, and psychological problems of a highly stigmatized group, namely dwarfs and midgets. Emphasis was placed on the socio-psychological problems that little people face in day-to-day social interaction concerning their identity, self-perception, and social adjustment. The investigation also examines the function and structure of an organization, Little People of America.;The research entailed a study of 67 short statured people, including members and non-members of LPA, some of whom were interviewed while others answered a questionnaire. Interviews were conducted with normal-sized family members and professionals in the field. An analysis of the sociological, psychological, and medical literature was made.;The findings of this study indicate that: discrimination in employment opportunities had been experienced by all respondents; managing home chores and responsibilities was not seen as a major strain; personal appearance and hygiene were concerns of young adult females; stigma is a source of constant anxiety for all short statured people; finding a date or a mate was difficult, with LPA serving as a reservoir of eligible marital partners; there were mixed feelings about short statured people and average-sized persons dating one another; parent-child relations centered about many short statured couples declining the risk of having a short statured child; overprotectiveness was found to stifle and infantilize the short statured child; confusion and uncertainty continues over how to conduct open and honest communication between short statured and average-sized persons.;Apart from the function of LPA as a focal point for courtship, membership was more a matter of personal interest or choice rather than an expectation. The organization provided support for many, but it was not a true self-help organization, because it did little to relieve the stigma or solve the problems of dwarfism. For some members, the organization served as an umbrella of security against the onslaughts of society. For others, particularly non-members of LPA, the organization was seen as a social and psychological crutch. Unlike many other disabilities, dwarfism is a handicap solely because of the social stigma.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
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Program
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Sociology
