Identity, stigma and deviance: A sociological analysis of the Stefonknee Wolscht case

Abstract

Introduction:
The case of Stefonknee Wolscht, a Canadian transgender woman who publicly identified as an "inner child," was sensationalized and stigmatized by the media. This study analyzed how her identity was socially constructed as deviant, using theoretical frameworks of labeling, stigma, and symbolic control.
Methods:
A mixed-method approach was applied, combining theoretical-documentary analysis with a structured survey administered to 50 adult participants selected through non-probabilistic convenience sampling. The questionnaire consisted of 13 Likert-scale items grouped into three thematic axes: perceptions of stigma, media influence, and acceptance of diversity.
Results:
The findings showed that most respondents rejected the idea that non-normative identities represent social deviance. Participants expressed critical views of the media, seen as agents that reinforce stigma and distort diverse identities. There was also a high level of support for legal protection and social respect toward gender diversity and non-traditional identities.
Conclusions:
The study concluded that deviance is not an inherent individual condition, but rather a social construct shaped by power relations and normative discourses. Wolscht’s case functioned as a catalyst for cultural tensions surrounding identity and social normalcy. Educational, media, and legislative interventions were recommended to promote more inclusive, respectful, and pluralistic communities.