Towards an empirically robust theory of stigma resistance in the ‘new’ sociology of stigma: Everyday resistance in sheltered workshops

Recent works on stigma have emphasised the importance of ‘looking up’ towards issues of power and stigma production. In that process, empirical attention to stigma resistance ‘from below’ has remained limited. When resistance is discussed, it typically takes the form of collective, organised and explicit resistance. Drawing on insights from resistance studies, this article pays attention to everyday practices of resistance that are subtle, unorganised and implicit and calls for an empirically robust theory of stigma resistance. In doing so, it contributes to the recent revival of the sociology of stigma. Based on ethnographic research methods, the article discusses the stigmatisation of people with intellectual disabilities in sheltered workshops and identifies three anti-stigma practices: (1) redirecting, (2) replacing and (3) redefining stigmatising norms. Two lessons can be learned from this study and inform future research. First, everyday resistance is ambivalent: it implies a partial incorporation and partial rejection of norms. Second, rather than political intention (only), stigma resistance can be based on a variety of desires and needs. Recognising this allows us to see stigmatised people as individuals who have at least some power to fight and transform stigma.