“Needed and Valuable Instead of Just Being Employed”: Vocational Training, Work and Social Usefulness Regarding People with Intellectual Disability in Sweden, 1945–1989

Abstract

The article explores the transition of Swedish students with intellectual disability (ID) into the labour market between 1945 and 1989, a period often overlooked in historical studies on special education and disability research. It analyses the concept of employability in the history of education for this marginalised group, shedding light on the justification for vocational education and on the significance of economic shifts, follow-up studies, and sheltered workshops. Drawing on ableism and pedagogical theory, it underscores qualification, socialisation and subjectification as key educational domains. Utilising professional literature and policy documents, the article suggests a broader understanding of employment creation, considering changes in the labour market and care services. From an ableist perspective, the emphasis on employability leads to a paradox. Due to the overvaluation of functionality and capability, inclusion in work life may result in reduced recognition for those who deviate from the norm.