Defining Neuronormative Ideology

Further contributions to developing my theory of Neurotypical Biopower

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Ideological State Apparatuses

As mentioned previously, ideologies are beliefs and mental frameworks which influence how we interpret our experiences. Althusser theorized that ideologies are conveyed as realities through “distinct and specialized institutions” called Ideological State Apparatuses (ISAs). According to Louis Althusser, we “freely” choose to become part of these institutions, which depend upon our buying into their ideologies for their success, but we do so without full awareness that they operate under “the ideologies of the ruling class”.

As Waitzkin and others have done, I argue that medicine, psychology, and the human health sciences can be considered ISAs. Specifically, these professional practices uphold and perpetuate an ideology of neuronormativity. In this discussion, I will focus primarily on Autistics, who fall under the broad description of neurodivergent, however all neurotypes which diverge from the statistical norm are considered neurodivergent (ND), and those which fall within the statistical norm are considered neurotypical.

I have developed three defining features of neuronormative ideology based on Sonja K. Foss’ model of ideological criticism.