Cross-cultural perspectives on stigma

When I was asked to write a commentary chapter for the work by Stewart Schwab and Garth Glissman (Chapter 8 on Disability) and John Dovidio, Lisa Pagotto, and Michelle R. Hebl (Chapter 9, on Race), I was flummoxed. What could I contribute to the fine work of eminent scholars on the topic of stigma, particularly as it relates to discrimination and public policy? Chapter 8 focuses on the similarities and differences between disability definitions, discrimination, and legal protections and other forms of stigma, such as age, sex, and race definitions and discrimination. The review of the legal issues inherent in defining and responding to treatment, based on stigma, by Glissman, Schwab, and Willborn provides a foundation for future research on the psychological processes attending legal decision making on these issues.