# Event Details

- **Event Name**: Empire of Normality: Neurodiversity and Capitalism : Book Discussion @ The Bay Horse
- **Event Start and End Date**: Wed, 21 Jan, 2026 at 07:00 pm
- **Event Description**: ? Totnes Left Book Club
? Wednesday 21st January
⏰ 7:00pm Start

?? Empire of Normality: Neurodiversity and Capitalism
✍️ Robert Chapman

A powerful, challenging, and deeply illuminating book that asks a deceptively simple question: who decided what “normal” is — and why?

“Groundbreaking… a deep history of the invention of the ‘normal’ mind as one of the most damaging and oppressive tools of capitalism.”
— Steve Silberman, NeuroTribes

“Argues that a radical politics of neurodiversity is necessary, not only for neurodivergent folk, but for our collective liberation.”
— Professor Hel Spandler

“A vital book that kindles the flames of a neurodivergent revolution.”
— Beatrice Adler-Bolton, Health Communism

? About the book

Neurodiversity awareness has exploded in recent years — but understanding has lagged behind. Empire of Normality goes beyond surface-level narratives of difference to expose how the very idea of a “normal” brain was shaped by capitalism.

Drawing on the histories of neurodiversity and disability movements, Robert Chapman shows how capitalism built an empire of normality — treating human bodies and minds as productivity machines, and marginalising those who don’t fit the mould.

The book argues that neurodivergent liberation isn’t just a niche concern, but part of a wider struggle for collective freedom. To challenge ableism properly, we must challenge the deeper logics of capitalism itself.

This is an essential read for anyone interested in disability justice, mental health, politics, class, labour, and how systems shape our sense of self.

? About the author

Robert Chapman is a neurodivergent philosopher and Assistant Professor in Critical Neurodiversity Studies at Durham University. They have taught at King’s College London and Bristol University, and write widely on neurodiversity, psychology, and politics.

? What is Totnes Left Book Club?

Our nonthly. Book club is a friendly, thoughtful space for people interested in left-wing ideas, social justice, and how systems of power shape our lives.

You don’t need to agree on everything. You don’t need to be an academic. And you don’t need to have finished the book (or even started it). no membership form or fee to join, open to all.

We read and discuss books that:
✊ Critique capitalism, power, and inequality
? Connect theory to lived experience
? Explore class, disability, ecology, culture, and liberation
? Encourage respectful, curious discussion rather than point-scoring

Whether you’ve read every page, dipped in and out, or are coming fresh, you’re welcome.

? Format
   •   Brief welcome and introductions
   •   Short overview of the book and key themes
   •   Open, facilitated discussion with guiding questions
   •   Space for different perspectives, reflections, and lived experience

??✊

The following meeting of this book club will be : Weds Feb 18th 7pm - our discussion will be based upon the book 'Less Is More' by Jason Hickel

Join our Facebook group to hear news of future gatherings and to suggest books we should read https://m.facebook.com/groups/1824942974987216/?ref=share
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/totnes/empire-of-normality-neurodiversity-and-capitalism-book-discussion-the-bay-horse/200029380698415
- **Event Categories**: art, contests, workshops, health-wellness, meetups, fine-arts, literary-art, mental-health
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 20

## Ticket Details


## Event venue details

- **city**: Totnes
- **state**: EN
- **country**: United Kingdom
- **location**: The Bay Horse Inn, Totnes
- **lat**: 50.430040900001
- **long**: -3.6919529874999
- **full address**: The Bay Horse Inn, Totnes, United Kingdom

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: Empire of Normality: Neurodiversity and Capitalism : Book Discussion @ The Bay Horse
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## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is Empire of Normality: Neurodiversity and Capitalism : Book Discussion @ The Bay Horse being held?
  - **A:** Empire of Normality: Neurodiversity and Capitalism : Book Discussion @ The Bay Horse takes place on Wed, 21 Jan, 2026 at 07:00 pm to Wed, 21 Jan, 2026 at 07:00 pm at The Bay Horse Inn, Totnes, United Kingdom.
- **Q**: Who is organizing Empire of Normality: Neurodiversity and Capitalism : Book Discussion @ The Bay Horse?
  - **A:** Empire of Normality: Neurodiversity and Capitalism : Book Discussion @ The Bay Horse is organized by Totnes Left.
- **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me?
  - **A:** Empire of Normality: Neurodiversity and Capitalism : Book Discussion @ The Bay Horse is ideal for learners, working professionals, and skill-builders looking to gain hands-on knowledge and practical expertise in a focused, interactive setting. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Totnes, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. If Empire of Normality: Neurodiversity and Capitalism : Book Discussion @ The Bay Horse sounds like your kind of event, don't wait - spots fill up fast.

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