The Mentally Handicapped and the Neighbourhood: A Cultural Analysis of Handicap as a Representation

Table 1.

IndividualGroupAscribed roleB. Social subordinationC. Community hierarchy1. Impairment is seen as a person's attribute, and a matter for commiseration or jealousy.1. Impairment is considered in relation to existing statuses. It is taken into account if it does not call the group into question and if it can be related to a recognized status.2. Impairment is assessed in terms of the comparative advantages it confers.2. There is a collective responsibility regarding impairments which are related to the group.3. Recognition of an identity of individual condition or statutory degradation occurs.3. There is attribution of a status and definition of rights and duties relating to that status.Achieved roleA. IndividualistD. Egalitarian1. Impairment is defined as an unequal capacity which might threaten inter-individual transactions.1. Impairment is an attack on inequality within the group. It can be a cause of collective mobilization.2. Impairment is treated as a partial incompetence.2. There is a demand for participation identical to that of the other group members.3. In the case of a perturbation of the social status quo, demands for professionals to exercise control are made.3. People are accepted on an egalitarian basis or rejected as a threat to the group if they do not meet requirements.