Constructing the Stigma

Perception of other people is influenced mainly by the social categorization processes. Otherness depend on the culture the perceiver was raised in, the socio-political situation of his or her country, and on the individual factors such as: cognitive abilities and cognitive habits, emotions, or the need for closure. The current studies were conducted in the group of 300 students from 18 to 19 years old. It has been showed that the disadvantaged person is perceived mostly in the negative way, that is through their disabilities, disorders and illnesses, which are thought to be interfering with the realization of the needs, aspirations, values or a good social position. In students opinion the disability creates many problems in the social functioning, gaining acceptance of others, or in starting new relationship with normal - able persons. It has been concluded that the outcomes of the current study should be implemented in the education processes, especially of these students who are planning to become teachers or special educators in the future.