The Social Construction of Intellectual Disability

by Mark Rapley

A range of case studies, drawing upon ethnomethodological and conversation analytic scholarship, reveals how persons categorized as "intellectually disabled" are actually defined through their interaction with care staff and other professionals. Intellectual disability is usually thought of as a form of internal, individual affliction, differing little from diabetes, paralysis or chronic illness. This study's application of discursive psychology to intellectual disability demonstrates that what is usually understood as being an individual problem is actually an interactional or social product.

Genres: Disability

260 pages, Paperback

First published June 10, 2004

Reviews

[Kat]

One of the most lovingly written books on ID thank you mark for centering and uplifting the voices of an often overlooked community. A fascinating insight on what this label means and how little it helps and how much it hurts

[Emily Shiner]

interesting view on ID.