What is the term for a negative label that alters a person’s social identity?

The term that describes a negative label that alters a person’s social identity is stigma. Stigma refers to the social disapproval or discrimination against individuals based on characteristics, behaviors, or conditions that are perceived as socially unacceptable. This negative labeling can significantly affect a person's self-perception, their interactions with others, and their overall mental health.

Stigma can lead to social exclusion, limiting opportunities for individuals labeled in such a manner. It can also reinforce stereotypes and perpetuate systemic inequalities. By impacting how individuals see themselves and how they are treated by society, stigma plays a crucial role in shaping social identity and influencing behaviors related to that identity.

The other terms, while related to social behavior and identity, do not specifically define the concept of a negative label that alters social identity. Deviance refers to behavior that violates social norms, conformity relates to aligning behaviors with group norms, and cultural assimilation involves the process where individuals adopt the cultural practices of another group, often leading to a loss of their original identity. These concepts are important in their own right but do not capture the essence of how a negative label impacts social identity as stigma does.