The odd, different and disruptive: Towards a productive psychology and critical disability studies
Danny Goodley, Manchester Metropolitan University
Abstract
Psychology has relied upon the odd, different and disruptive in order
to become the popular profession that it is today. 'Odd' often
equates with 'the pathological' in psychology and, over many
years, psychologists have serviced society's need to understand,
treat and in some cases eradicate these 'ills'. Psychologists
have also helped to create a contemporary self-help culture in which people
spend more and more time governing their own differences. Disruptive people
are increasingly expected to manage themselves. But what alternatives
can be offered? How can we promote ways of understanding that embrace
the disruptive? In what ways can 'odd' transform our understandings
of diversity in everyday life? How can differences be celebrated and used
in positive ways? In what ways is 'odd' a helpful metaphor,
ontology and practice for non/disabled people? This lecture will address
these questions through reference to stories, theories, actions and ideas.
A case will be made for the development of a productive psychology: which
is of use to transformative potential of critical disability studies.