identifiseringstigelser

Identifiseringstigelser is a term used in some Nordic academic and policy discussions to describe a process by which individuals or groups are identified and subsequently assigned stigma-like labels by institutions, platforms, or social networks. The term blends identifisering (identification) with stigelser (stigmas) and is used to analyze how labels attached to people influence access to resources, social perception, and treatment within systems.

Scope and contexts: It covers both digital and offline settings, including registration systems, biometric checks, credit scoring, moderation, and media representation. Identifiseringstigelser can arise through automated profiling, administrative decision-making, or a combination of both, and can apply to communities, workers, customers, or applicants.

Mechanisms and dynamics: The process often relies on recognizable attributes such as residence, employment, behavior patterns, or inferred characteristics. When labels become entrenched or repeatedly applied, they may reinforce inequalities, cause exclusion, and limit opportunities. The term emphasizes not only the act of identifying but the social meaning and consequences of the labels attached.

Ethics and governance: Critics argue that identifiseringstigelser raises concerns about privacy, consent, transparency, accountability, and discrimination. Proposals include data minimization, explainable algorithms, human oversight, redress mechanisms, and robust anti-discrimination rules to limit harm from labeling practices.

See also: stigmatisering, profilering, algorithmic governance, data protection.