Aspects of stigmatization of stepfamilies and stepparents and their connection with the phenomenon of respect and (self) respect

Abstract

The paper deals with the stigmatization of stepfamilies and their family members in relation to respect and self-esteem. Attention is paid to myths and prejudices about stepfamilies, stepparents and children and their influence on members of the stepfamily.

The paper is supplemented by the results of a representative survey of public opinion aimed at mapping the attitudes and opinions of the Slovak public on the stepfamily and stepparenting.

Keywords

• stepfamilies
• stepparent
• stepchild
• stigmatization
• prejudices
• myth
• myth of the wicked stepmother
• myth of instant love