Reconciling Goffman and Disability Studies: “Interactional” and “Structural” Stigma in the Lives of Parents of Learning‐Disabled Adults

Erving Goffman cuts a divisive figure in disability studies. Some criticize his conception of “stigma” as deviance‐focused and as ignoring structural forces that shape personal encounters. Others praise his recognition of stigma as an interactional phenomenon. Drawing on research with parents of learning‐disabled adults, I conceptualize stigma in interactionist (Goffman‐inspired) and structural (disability‐studies‐inspired) terms. Parents reflect positively on their lives yet can confront stigma in “micro” public interactions. Stigma is also located in encounters with “macro” institutions. I conclude by highlighting how building upon Goffman's scholarship helps to thaw out a historically frosty treatment of his contribution in disability studies.