Reconciling Goffman and Disability Studies

“Interactional” and “Structural” Stigma in the Lives of Parents of Learning‐Disabled Adults

Dados Bibliográficos

ID24138178
AutoresG M Thomas (0000-0003-4959-2337, Cardiff University, autor correspondente)
Ano2026
Data de publicação2026-08-20
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoSymbolic Interaction (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0195-6086 • E-ISSN: 1533-8665
EditoraWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/symb.70070
OpenAlexW7128755284
IdiomaEN
Referências citadas43

Erving Goffman cuts a divisive figure in disability studies. Some criticize his conception of “stigma” as deviance‐focused and as ignoring structural forces that shape personal encounters. Others praise his recognition of stigma as an interactional phenomenon. Drawing on research with parents of learning‐disabled adults, I conceptualize stigma in interactionist (Goffman‐inspired) and structural (disability‐studies‐inspired) terms. Parents reflect positively on their lives yet can confront stigma in “micro” public interactions. Stigma is also located in encounters with “macro” institutions. I conclude by highlighting how building upon Goffman's scholarship helps to thaw out a historically frosty treatment of his contribution in disability studies.

Disability studies · Interactionism · Praise · Scholarship · Stigma (botany) · Symbolic interactionism · Disability Rights and Representation · Inclusion and Disability in Education and Sport · Language, Discourse, Communication Strategies