Faculty Publications

Cross-Cultural Inclusive Recreation And The Normalization Principle: Nirje’s And Wolfersberger's Differing Approaches

Document Type

Article

Keywords

cross-cultural, inclusive recreation, Nirje’s principle of normalization, normalization principle, Wolfensberger’s principle of normalization

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Loisir et Societe

Volume

44

Issue

2

First Page

208

Last Page

217

Abstract

The normalization principle surfaced in Canada and the United States between the late 1950s and the early 1970s and today is the single most significant model for policy and services in the field of disability studies. For the last 40 years, normalization theory has been a paramount conceptual cornerstone in inclusive recreation service delivery in both Canada and the United States. Building on Foucault’s research methodology of genealogy, this paper compares Nirje’s and Wolfensberger’s principle of normalization and argues that Nirje’s approach gives voice to cross-cultural difference, whereas Wolfensberger’s normalization principle advocates that people with disabilities conform and assimilate to the dominant cultures of society. That is, Nirje’s model is based on liberal autonomy whereas Wolfensberger’s approach is based on liberal equality. Inclusive recreation professionals should see persons with disabilities as multicultural beings and should use models and theories that are cross-culturally relevant, such as Nirje’s theory of normalization.

Department

Department of Health, Recreation, and Community Services

Original Publication Date

1-1-2021

DOI of published version

10.1080/07053436.2021.1935416

Repository

UNI ScholarWorks, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa

Language

en

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