A PIMPLE'S MY PRIDE: THE SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF ACNE IN ASTANA

Abstract

This study explores the degree to which the acne skin condition is accepted, rejected or stigmatized in Kazakhstani society based on the experiences of individuals living with it. This project employed qualitative methods with a focus on semi-structured in-depth interviews. 9 individuals living in Astana at the time of the interview of all genders aged 18 and above, currently dealing with diagnosed acne, were selected using a combination of convenience and snowball sampling. Multiple descriptive and narrative coding approaches were utilized when analysing the transcripts, like ‘structural coding’, ‘secondary labels’ and ‘descriptive coding’. The dimension of gender, although shaping individual experiences with acne, was most notable in the topics of beauty and makeup. This unifies receiving advise, seeing others with acne and socializing and coping methods as more or less universal experiences among the participants. Results demonstrated that individuals with acne are themselves dynamically influencing their internal perception of acne’s degree of social stigma and in turn, through their nonchalant attitude contribute towards the gradual process of this skin condition’s acceptance. While acne’s neutral or negative impact on attractiveness contributes towards the construction of gendered skin beauty – although not a fully socially discrediting trait – its existence implies that eventual treatment is preferable.