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
10.1002/symb.70070
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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 |
|---|---|
| Date Type: | Published Online |
| 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: | 21 Aug 2026 08:31 |
| URI: | https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/184660 |
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