How Erving Goffman Affected Perceptions of Disability within Sociology

Abstract

Purpose

This paper attempts to put Goffman’s writings about disability in Stigma into the context of his own writings as well as into the context of current concepts of disability.

Methodology/approach

This is a critical review of historical literature in Sociology.

Social implications

The paper suggests how Goffman’s writings can underpin a concept of disability as a fluid and active state rather than a passive and stigmatized state.

Originality/value

By putting Goffman’s writings into an historical context within the development of the field of sociology, the paper shows that some of the ways in which disability advocates and scholars tend to denigrate his writings are really a misinterpretation.

Citation

Barnartt, S.N. (2016), "How Erving Goffman Affected Perceptions of Disability within Sociology", Sociology Looking at Disability: What Did We Know and When Did We Know it (Research in Social Science and Disability, Vol. 9), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 29-37. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-354720160000009004