On Wednesday 24th April 2024, from 7.30-9.30pm, Stroud Radical Reading Group will host a discussion of Empire of Normality – Neurodiversity and Capitalism by Robert Chapman. We will meet at 10 John St, GL5 2AH. Below you can find links to a free extract, to buy a copy of the book at a discount, information about the venue and more.

Exploring the rich histories of the neurodiversity and disability movements, Robert Chapman shows how the rise of capitalism created an ’empire of normality’ that transformed our understanding of the body into that of a productivity machine. Robert Chapman (they/them) is a neurodivergent academic with an interest in emancipatory politics, social theory, disability, and mental health

Till the 14th April you can buy the book from publishers Pluto at 40% off – £8.99 for the paperback or £5.99 for the e-book.

You can buy the book from the Yellow Lighted Bookshop (Nailsworth, Tetbury or Chalford pick up or delivery at £3.50) via the previous link – RRP £14.99. When looking at your “basket” enter the “couponcode” stroudradical24 for a 12% discount – final book price £13.19, a saving of £1.80).

About our events and the venue

Stroud Radical Reading Group events are free to attend, though we will make a collection to cover costs – please bring some cash. Anyone is welcome to listen to the discussion, though we encourage contributions only from those who have read at least some of the book we are discussing. We try to create a comfortable discussion space for everyone, including people who have not been part of a reading group or been to university.

We will meet at 10 John St, GL5 2AH. This is near the centre of town, a short walk from Stroud Railway Station and a slightly longer walk from the Merrywalks Bus Station. There are stands to lock bikes to outside, and parking for cars nearby in either Brunel Mall, Fawkes Place, or Church St car park. There is a low step to enter the building, which is flat. There are no toilet facilities. Please get in touch if you’d like to get more of an idea of what the sessions are like or if you have any accessibility needs.

About the book and author

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 very myth of the ‘normal’ brain as a product of intensified capitalism.

Exploring the rich histories of the neurodiversity and disability movements, Robert Chapman shows how the rise of capitalism created an ’empire of normality’ that transformed our understanding of the body into that of a productivity machine.

Neurodivergent liberation is possible – but only by challenging the deepest logics of capitalism. Empire of Normality is an essential guide to understanding the systems that shape our bodies, minds and deepest selves – and how we can undo them.

Robert Chapman (they/them) is a neurodivergent academic with an interest in emancipatory politics, social theory, disability, and mental health

Free resources:

• Preface and 13 pages of the 19 page introduction (pdf)
• 55 minute podcast with Robert Chapman – Radicals in Conversation
• 60 minute video with Robert Chapman on Acid Horizon podcast (embedded below)
• Robert Chapman’s blog “Critical Neurodiversity”