Disability and Disciplines: The International Conference on Educational, Cultural, and Disability Studies

In my previous work I established a theoretical framework called ‘the Singularization of History’ by criticizing the way social, cultural and microhistorians have practiced their scholarship in the last two or three decades. I paid particular attention to one element common to the theoretical orientations of all microhistorians, the connections between micro and macro. Microhistorians of all persuasions emphasize the importance of placing small units of research within larger contexts. I refute this principle and show its inherent contradictions. I encourage historians to cut the umbilical cord that ties them to what is sometimes called ‘a great historical question’. This paper considers whether this research focus excludes historical inquiry that has its focus on only one person, only one story.

By analysing official records regarding Bíbí’s (Bjargey Kristjansdottir (1927-1999) early life, a skilled historian can contextualize them with current local and national communities. The first legislation bill regarding ‘feebleminded’ people, was passed by the Icelandic  parliament in the 1930s which was the first Icelandic laws written about people with intellectual or physical impairment. A glimpse on Bíbí’s early life, from the writings of the most powerful men in her local community will give her autobiography an extra weight. It will also give her text more historical context and deeper understanding of her emotional situation. History of Emotions is a blooming research field both in Europe and the United States.