Paperback
Capitalism created the “normal” mind: understand, challenge, liberate neurodiversity.

Empire of Normality

Neurodiversity and Capitalism

$30.39

  • Paperback

    224 pages

  • Release Date

    20 November 2023

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Summary

‘Groundbreaking … [provides] a deep history of the invention of the ‘normal’ mind as one of the most oppressive tools of capitalism. To read it is to see the world more clearly’ - Steve Silberman, author of NeuroTribes

Neurodiversity is on the rise. Awareness and diagnoses have exploded in recent years, but we are still missing a wider understanding of how we got here and why. Beyond simplistic narratives of normativity and difference, this groundbreaking book exposes the ver…

Book Details

ISBN-13:9780745348667
ISBN-10:0745348661
Author:Robert Chapman
Publisher:Pluto Press
Imprint:Pluto Press
Format:Paperback
Number of Pages:224
Release Date:20 November 2023
Weight:246g
Dimensions:16mm x 140mm x 216mm
A-Format
B-Format
Empire of Normality by Robert Chapman - ISBN: 9780745348667
140 × 216 mm
C-Format
A4
mm / in
What They're Saying

Critics Review

‘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 NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity

‘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, Asylum: the radical mental health magazine

‘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 liberation—a new radical approach to neurodiversity that is explicitly anti-capitalist.’

– Beatrice Adler-Bolton, co-author of Health Communism

‘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’

– Forbes

‘A vitally needed theoretical framework for neurodivergent anti-capitalism’

– Red Pepper

About The Author

Robert Chapman

Robert Chapman is a neurodivergent philosopher, writing on neurodiversity theory, madness and disability. They have taught at King’s 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.

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