Empire of Normality

'This groundbreaking book fills a crucial gap in the discourse about neurodiversity, providing a deep history of the invention of the 'normal' mind as one of the most damaging and oppressive tools of capitalism, while not succumbing to the myths of the 'anti-psychiatry' movement. To read it is to see the world more clearly.' -- Steve Silberman, author of <i>NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity</i> 'Empire of Normality argues that a radical politics of neurodiversity needs to be central to the struggle against capitalism. Chapman explains why this is necessary, not only for neurodivergent folk, but for our collective liberation. Thought provoking, challenging and compelling.' -- Professor Hel Spandler, Editor, <i>Asylum: the radical mental health magazine</i> 'Engaging, impeccably researched, and a vital step in the emergence of a new social paradigm. Chapman uncovers the origins of the stifling norms that limit our collective potentials, and points the way toward a better and more creative future.' -- Nick Walker, author of 'Neuroqueer Heresies' 'A vital book that kindles the flames of a Marxist neurodivergent revolution. Chapman boldly challenges us to envision a world liberated from neuronormative oppression, where dismantling capitalism is central to disabled, Mad, and neurodivergent liberationa new radical approach to neurodiversity that is explicitly anti-capitalist.' -- Beatrice Adler-Bolton, co-author of <i>Health Communism</i> 'An instant seminal text, Empire of Normality takes on the huge task of crafting a coherent, radical, Marxist approach to neurodivergence. Chapman impressively and critically assembles disparate philosophical, scientific and activist currents across time to carve out a new politics that pushes beyond liberal rights-based approaches, and guides us towards a liberated future.' -- Micha Frazer-Carroll, author of 'Mad World: The Politics of Mental Health' 'Outstanding' -- <i>Forbes</i> 'A vitally needed theoretical framework for neurodivergent anti-capitalism' -- <i>Red Pepper</i>

Robert Chapman is a neurodivergent philosopher, writing on neurodiversity theory, madness and disability. They have taught at Kings College London, the University of Bristol, Sheffield Hallam and Durham University where they are currently an Assistant Professor in Critical Neurodiversity Studies. They blog at Psychology Today and at Critical Neurodiversity.

Preface Introduction 1 Rise of the machines 2 The invention of normality 3 Galtons paradigm 4 The eugenics movement 5 The myths of anti-psychiatry 6 Fordist normalisation 7 The return of Galtonian psychiatry 8 Post-Fordism as a mass disabling event 9 The neurodiversity movement 10 Cognitive contradictions 11 After normality Notes Bibliography Acknowledgements Index