IS ANYONE HERE NORMAL? - SARAH CHANEY

Have you ever wondered what it means to be normal? In today's world, where individuality is valued and diversity is celebrated, the question of normality seems paradoxical. Sarah Chaney's book is a fascinating journey through the history and social constructions of the concept of normality. The author, a historian and sociologist, analyzes with humor and erudition how we came to measure ourselves against a utopian standard of normality.

• Intriguing questions: Is my body normal? Is my mind normal? Is my sex life normal?
• Historical perspective: How has the concept of normality evolved over the centuries?
• Social analysis: Why do we still strive for normality in times of freedom and independence?
• Critical view: What oppressive values has the concept of normality solidified?
• Practical examples: Questionnaires from past years show the variability of normality indicators.

Based on solid historical and sociological foundations, Sarah Chaney deconstructs the myth of normality, showing that it is a variable category, dependent on context and often imposed by social norms. The author goes to the roots of the concept, recalling that in the 19th century, normality mainly referred to geometry, not people. It was the development of statistics, mass production, and scientific research that contributed to the emergence of the idea of the normal person, which in turn led to the exclusion of those who deviate from the norm.

This book is not only a historical analysis but also a reflection on today's society, where the pressure to be normal is still strong. The author encourages a critical examination of one's own beliefs and a questioning of the patterns imposed on us. Do we really want to strive for normality, or should we rather celebrate our individuality and diversity? These are questions that each of us must answer for ourselves.

“Is Anyone Here Normal?” is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand how the concept of normality arose, how it shaped us, and how certain oppressive values have been solidified. It is a book that provokes thought, inspires action, and encourages you to be yourself, regardless of what others consider normal.

Wydawnictwo Poznańskie presents this book in paperback, format 207x152 mm. The year of publication is 2024. The number of pages has not been specified.