Using a historical materialist approach, this paper maintains that the treatment of people with developmental disabilities is strongly related to the forces of production. While 19th century capitalism ameliorated some past abuses, early 20th century apologists for inequality advanced the idea that "defective" people were responsible for crime, poverty and urban distress. The adverse attitudes, stereotypes and policies supported by this ideology have shaped a culture that, despite reform efforts, largely defames and harms people with developmental disabilities. In the late 20th century, widespread devaluation of people with disabilities remains and continues to help legitimate social inequality.
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