Psychic Accounts: Self-Legitimation and the Management of a Spoiled Identity

Abstract

This article offers an exploratory study of a group of psychics. Data were obtained on the impression management techniques used by these psychics as they attempt to legitimate their status and neutralize a spoiled identity. These techniques take place in the context of explaining pathways into the occupation and experiences within. The main techniques used were (1) focusing of mysticism by stressing the hereditary nature of their ability and romantic pathways into their occupation and (2) affirming professionalism by combining the use of jargon with the strategy of redefinition, and focusing on their commitment to formal education and the learned nature of their skills. Data were obtained through observations of, interactions with, and interviews with psychics performing in their occupation. Interviews ranged in length from 20 minutes to 2 hours.

"We are not strippers": How Belly Dancers Manage a (Soft) Stigmatized Serious Leisure Activity

“…A commonly denounced action, such as pedophilia or incest, of which the public generally disapproves, is not likely to encourage legitimation attempts, because there is little disagreement about the activity. Likewise, Evans et al (2003) suggest people with intermediate statuses, such as psychics and morticians, are likely to engage in legitimation because, like those involved in morally ambiguous behavior, an intermediate status lies in the middle of a continuum. Some people view intermediate statuses as prestigious, while others consider them lowly.…”

“…One way to alter people's perceptions of an activity is to refer to it using different language. For instance, some psychics prefer to be called “spiritual counselors” (Evans, Forsyth, and Foreman 2003). Using alternative speech increases the activity's value and prestige and reduces negative images associated with the activity (Durkin and Bryant 1999; Thompson and Harred 1992).…”

Being Middle Eastern American: Identity Negotiation in the Context of the War on Terror

“…Numerous studies have highlighted how stigmatized individuals employ various resistance and management strategies in response to negative labels (Cahill and Eggleston 1994; Davis 1961; Evans, Forsyth, and Foreman 2003; Feagin and McKinney 2003; Fothergill 2003; Herman 1993; Karp 1992; Riessman 2000; Roschelle and Kaufman 2004; Snow and Anderson 1987). This body of research treats normal–deviant interactions as an ongoing drama in which the stigmatized try to create positive identities.…”

“…Thus, we give accounts when confronting an unusual situation or individual. In their discussion of stigma, Evans, Forsyth, and Foreman (2003) note that “understanding the way individuals use accounts to construct positive self‐identities, in the face of occupying a stigmatized … position, is indeed important turf for social science” (p. 373).…”

Cleaning Up the Dirty Work: Professionalization and the Management of Stigma in the Cosmetic Surgery and Tattoo Industries

“…See, for example, prior research on exotic dancers(Bradley 2007;Thompson and Harred 1992), psychics(Evans, Forsyth, and Foreman 2003), and taxi drivers(Sheahan and Smith 2003).…”