Mary is a 46 year old, upper-class female who owns a large home, a luxury car and has traveled extensively. Mary is married to a supportive spouse and has two children. Mary essentially does not want for any material or emotional items. Mary however complains to her family and friends that she feels stressed and unhappy. Mary has self-diagnosed her condition as depression and believes she may need professional help. Sara, on the other hand is a 16 year old, high school student and a survivor of sexual assault. Since the assault, Sara has withdrawn from all social activities and from any contact with her friends. Sara has attempted suicide twice and recently was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder by a psychiatrist at one of the facilities where she was hospitalized. Both Mary and Sara have experienced some distancing from others ever since their emotional statuses were revealed.
a. From a symbolic inter-actionist perspective, who, Mary or Sara, would be viewed as more deviant? Explain.
b. How does Goffman's "Spoiled Identity" apply to Mary and Sara? What mechanisms might Mary and Sara employs to manage this "Spoiled Identity?"