Registered sexual offenders (RSOs) are inevitably on the receiving end of much negative evaluation within society. By association, individuals in close relationships with RSOs may experience what Goffman (1963) [Stigma: Notes on the management of spoiled identity. Simon & Schuster Ltd.] termed ‘courtesy stigma’, through which they are also negatively evaluated. The present study explores this phenomenon in the contemporary context of online discussion. Drawing on recent methodological developments in the microanalysis of online data, three specific threads from online parenting forums are examined, each opening with a specific account of their dilemma by women in intimate relationships with RSOs. Analysis of the sequential interaction within each thread demonstrates the way that stigma is performed by online parenting communities and how individuals manage that stigma as the interaction unfolds. We conclude that partners of RSOs, unlike family members, can mitigate courtesy stigma by ending the relationship, but otherwise risk being ostracised by community members.

中文翻译：

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与已登记的性犯罪者保持关系的女性：论坛讨论分析

已登记的性犯罪者 (RSO) 不可避免地会受到社会上许多负面评价。通过关联，与 RSO 有密切关系的个人可能会体验到 Goffman (1963) [ Stigma: Notes on the management of poated identity. Simon & Schuster Ltd.] 被称为“礼貌的耻辱”，因此他们也受到负面评价。本研究在当代在线讨论的背景下探讨了这一现象。借鉴在线数据微观分析的最新方法学发展，研究了在线育儿论坛的三个特定主题，每个主题都以与 RSO 亲密关系的女性的困境作为开场白的具体描述。对每个线程内的顺序交互的分析展示了在线育儿社区执行污名的方式，以及随着交互的展开，个人如何管理这种污名。我们得出结论，与家庭成员不同，RSO 的合作伙伴可以通过结束关系来减轻礼貌的耻辱，但否则可能会被社区成员排斥。