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This dissertation is a study of employment and daytime activities for people defined as having an intellectual disability. The study’s point of origin is the somewhat paradoxical situation these individuals are put into when it comes to work and daytime activities. They are on the one hand granted a disability benefit and made objects for a logic of caretaking; they are regarded as vocationally disabled and defined as outside the workforce. On the other hand, they are still included in a hegemonic work ethic with political objectives for ‘full employment’ and ‘a working-life for all’. A main objective in this study has been to discuss what different types of work and daytime activities mean to these individuals themselves; what role work and daytime activities have in their identity management and self-presentation in everyday life.

The study consists of three parts. Part I outlines a historical contextualisation of the relationship between intellectual disability and participation in work and production. This part also provides a brief account for the labour market situation for these individuals today, and discusses the present situation related to the official aims of the administrative reform, which closed down the state-financed institutions for people with intellectual disabilities. Part II discusses the theoretical perspectives and methodological approach used within the study. The theoretical perspectives are developed using concepts from Dorothy Holland et.al, Pierre Bourdieu and Erving Goffman. The methodological approach is based on qualitative case studies with participatory observations and interviews within the different settings where people with intellectual disability work. Part III presents and analyses data derived from fieldwork. Central elements in the meaning of work in identity management are discussed and classified in six basic ‘key stories’ about work and daytime activity. Different forms of adapted and ordinary work are discussed in context of gender roles and social class aspects.