Nobody Outruns the Trickster

What’s in a Word? Exploring “Valorization” with John O’Brien

In this thought-provoking piece, John O’Brien dives deep into the meaning and implications of the word “valorization,” as used by Wolf Wolfensberger in redefining the principle of normalization. O’Brien unpacks the historical and linguistic roots of the term, tracing its evolution from commercial contexts—like price fixing schemes—to its adoption in literary theory and social science. He highlights how the word’s connotations, including associations with market mechanisms and subjective value, can unintentionally undermine the intrinsic worth of socially devalued individuals.

O’Brien critiques the choice of “valorization” for its subtle negative baggage, suggesting it frames people as commodities and implies artificial, government-driven efforts to “fix” their value. He also explores how the term’s modernist ties to relativism and subjective truth clash with Wolfensberger’s intent to affirm objective human worth. While acknowledging the technical meaning Wolfensberger intended, O’Brien warns of the “trickiness” of negative imagery and urges readers to consider the deeper effects of language choices.

This article is a fascinating read for anyone interested in social role valorization, linguistics, or the power of words in shaping perceptions. It challenges readers to think critically about how language influences societal attitudes and actions, especially toward marginalized groups. Nobody outruns the trickster, but O’Brien’s insights might just help you keep pace.