Reconciling Goffman and disability studies: ‘Interactional’ and ‘structural’ stigma in the lives of parents of learning-disabled adults

Thomas, Gareth ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4959-2337 2026. Reconciling Goffman and disability studies: ‘Interactional’ and ‘structural’ stigma in the lives of parents of learning-disabled adults. Symbolic Interaction Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Erving Goffman cuts a divisive figure in disability studies. Some criticise 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 conceptualise stigma in interactionist (Goffman-inspired) and structural (disability-studies-inspired) terms. Parents reflect positively on their lives yet 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.

Item Type:	Article
Status:	In Press
Schools:	Schools > Social Sciences (Includes Criminology and Education)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
Publisher:	Wiley
ISSN:	0195-6086
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	10 February 2026
Date of Acceptance:	9 February 2026
Last Modified:	11 Feb 2026 10:15
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/184660

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