Episode 282: The Market Value of Compliance

Today’s episode critically examines how “functioning labels,” particularly for autistic individuals, serve as economic assignments within a “Calibration Machine” designed to sort and control bodies for capitalist productivity. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, writing as a “seanchaidh” or keeper of memory, traces the historical roots of this system from the enclosure of land and people during the industrial revolution to modern vocational rehabilitation, arguing that what is framed as “adaptive functioning” or “inclusion” is often a mask for eugenic principles and the commodification of neurodivergent labor. Ultimately, she advocates for narrative sovereignty and a collective refusal to be “calibrated,” emphasizing that true resistance lies in remembering and building alternative economies of care that value interdependence over productivity.Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/the-market-value-of-compliance-functioningLet me know what you think.The AutSide is a reader-supported publication. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit autside.substack.com/subscribe