Sheep in wolf's clothing: impact of normalisation teaching on human services and service providers

A historical review of the development of the normalisation concept is undertaken, with an appraisal of the various historical contributions. The underlying assumptions, research foundations and methods of information transmission are examined with respect to implications for the concept. A critically evaluative stance is recommended in order to assess the utility and validity of normalisation beyond a position of moral principle and sloganeering. Some possible consequences of normalisation advocates who maintain an inflexible position in this debate are identified, together with some recommendations for an alternative perspective.