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Journal of Contemporary Ethnography
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"YOU'RE NOT A RETARD, YOU'RE JUST WISE"

Disability, Social Identity, and Family Networks

STEVEN J. TAYLOR

Syracuse University

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.

Journal of Contemporary Ethnography, Vol. 29, No. 1, 58-92 (2000)
DOI: 10.1177/089124100129023828
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