In this edition of Madison Book Beat, host David Ahrens talks with with Thomas Pearson.

Thomas Pearson is a professor of anthropology at UW-Stout, where he also leads the social science department.

As a cultural anthropologist, he understands and appreciates the diversity of cultures and expressions of a common humanity. After the birth of his daughter, who has Down’s Syndrome, he documents his struggle towards broadening the concept of humanity to all people-including those who are differently able and thinking about how we can enable them to achieve their full capabilities.

That complexity and exploration of evolving ideas of disability and difference is outlined in his new book and the subject of today’s interview. It’s called Margaret Mead, the Problem of Disability, and a Child Born Different, published in fall 2023 from the University of California Press.

In addition to numerous academic articles and essays, Thomas Pearson is also the author of “When the Hills Are Gone: Frac Sand Mining and the Struggle for Community,” published by the University of Minnesota Press in 2017.