Ordinary Lives: Recovering Deaf Social History through the American Census

Eric C. Nystrom and R. A. R. Edwards' book Ordinary Lives: Deaf People in Late Nineteenth-Century America explores the lives of "ordinary" deaf individuals in late nineteenth-century America, using social history methods and often-ignored sources like census records. It reconstructs the biographies of a wider range of deaf individuals to tell a richer, more nuanced, and more inclusive history of the larger American deaf community.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2024
Publisher: University of Massachusetts Press

The collective social history of deaf people in America remains unwritten, despite the significant attention paid to residential schools for the deaf. While scholars have delved into the lives of leaders in the deaf community, prominent graduates of these institutions, and the broader context of these institutions, the experiences of "ordinary" deaf individuals have largely been overlooked. To address this gap, Eric C. Nystrom and R. A. R. Edwards employ the methods of social history, including digital history techniques and the utilization of often-ignored sources such as census records, to recover the lived experiences of everyday deaf people in late nineteenth-century America.

In their groundbreaking work, Ordinary Lives: Deaf People in Late Nineteenth-Century America, Edwards and Nystrom present a captivating portrayal of the lives of deaf women and men, encompassing a diverse range of Black and white individuals. Through their narratives, these authors vividly describe the intricacies of family life, the networks of support that shaped their experiences, the educational opportunities they encountered, and the triumphs and challenges they faced. This pioneering "deaf social history" endeavors to reconstruct the biographies of a broader spectrum of deaf individuals, aiming to present a more comprehensive, nuanced, and inclusive history of the larger American deaf community.

By delving into the lives of ordinary deaf people, Ordinary Lives sheds light on the diverse experiences and perspectives of this marginalized group. It challenges the notion of deafness as a monolithic entity and highlights the unique challenges and triumphs faced by individuals within the deaf community. The book offers valuable insights into the social, cultural, and historical contexts that shaped the lives of deaf individuals and their contributions to American society.

Through their meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Edwards and Nystrom have made a significant contribution to the field of deaf studies. Ordinary Lives serves as a valuable resource for scholars, educators, and anyone interested in learning more about the history and experiences of deaf people in America. It encourages a deeper understanding of the complexities and diversity of the deaf community and promotes greater inclusivity and awareness in society.

In conclusion, the collective social history of deaf people in America remains an untold story, but Ordinary Lives by Eric C. Nystrom and R. A. R. Edwards is a groundbreaking work that fills this gap. By recovering the lived experiences of everyday deaf individuals and reconstructing their biographies, the authors present a rich and nuanced history of the larger American deaf community. This book offers valuable insights into the diverse experiences and perspectives of deaf people and serves as a catalyst for promoting greater inclusivity and awareness in society.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781625347640