This chapter begins with some background on how a consideration of these issues developed in mental health sociology. This selective review provides a frame for examining extant issues and evidence concerning labeling and stigma as they pertain to mental illnesses. The issues addressed are the conceptualization of labeling and stigma, evidence about trends in stigma-relevant public attitudes and beliefs and how labeling and stigma affect individuals who develop mental illnesses. Evidence from modified labeling theory and other approaches to labeling, stereotyping, and rejection strongly suggest that negative consequences associated with labeling are experienced by many people. One emerging social phenomenon that is likely to alter causal attributions for mental illness is the genetics revolution. Research focusing on genetic sources of mental illness and a general focus on genetics and genomics are pervasive in the current culture.