You're Not a Retard, You're Just Wise

Disability, Social Identity, and Family Networks

Bibliographic Data

ID2365033
AuthorsSteven J Taylor (0000-0001-6361-2838, Syracuse University, corresponding author)
Year2000
Volume29
Issue1
Pages58-92
Publication date2000-02-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Contemporary Ethnography (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0891-2416 • E-ISSN: 1552-5414
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/089124100129023828
OpenAlexW2113543644
LanguageEN
Citations received16
References cited38

This study examines the social meaning of disability and the construction of social identity in a family whose members, as well as numerous kin and friends, have been officially defined as handicapped, disabled, or mentally retarded. As a point of departure for examining family members' perspectives, this article briefly reviews the literature on disability and stigma. In contrast to current theories, the family in this study has constructed a life world in which disability is not stigmatizing or problematic for their identities. This article examines, in depth, how family members and their broader social network construct the meaning of disability labels in nonstigmatizing ways and define themselves and each other in terms of their personal characteristics and family relationships. The conclusion of this article considers some factors that seem to account for the family's ability to avoid the stigma and stained identities associated with mental retardation and other disabilities

Aesthetics · Construct (python library · Developmental psychology · Identity (music · Meaning (existential · Psychiatry · Psychotherapist · Stigma (botany · Disability Rights and Representation · Family and Disability Support Research · Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving · Psychology · Social Psychology

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