Incidencia del término orfandad como un significante estigmatizador en la construcción de la identidad en adolescentes institucionalizados.

Abstract

The present research paper aims to account for the incidence of the term “orphanhood” as a stigmatizing signifier in the construction of identity in institutionalized adolescents. Based on psychoanalytic theories and studies on adolescence, it has been found that historically, there have been stigmatizing terms used to refer to adolescents living in vulnerable situations. Therefore, the study achieved its objective of highlighting how the signifier “orphanhood” operates in the construction of identity in institutionalized adolescents, demonstrating the importance of social and institutional discourse on adolescents. The study method used was descriptive, through a literature review and semi-structured interviews with professionals and an institutionalized adolescent. This allowed for an in-depth examination, from different perspectives, of the incidence of the signifier “orphanhood” and its re-signification in adolescence. As a result, the signifier “orphanhood” is not given in isolation, but is mediated by the articulation of other signifiers. Also, it was clear that the signifier “orphanhood” has changed its name to avoid stigmatization, and the technical team plays a key role in making it possible to redefine the adolescent's history outside of loss.