‘Competence’ and ‘incompetence’ are categories defined culturally as well as by individual ability or disability. Culture here means the combination of social organisation (institutions) and norms and values characterising a particular society. Culture influences who is classified as (in)competent, and the consequences of that classification. These consequences may be far-reaching and extend to many areas of everyday life. Ultimately, the personhood of people classified as (in)competent is influenced by both their individual ability/disability and by their cultural classification. In this chapter I will look at:

• Who are the people classified as (in)competent and how and why does this classification take place?

• What is their place in society?

• In what ways does culture influence their selection and their lives?

The historical record is clear that ‘mental retardation’ – what is also known as ‘learning difficulties’ – has existed in all cultures and societies in one form or another, though its definition, diagnosis and treatment have varied according to the philosophical, political and economic climate (Edgerton 1970; Manion and Bersani 1987: 231). To explore this variety further I studied two societies, Greece and Wales: the island of Ániksi and the small town of Ffynnon. These communities differ from each other in a number of ways; I have concentrated on economic and social structures, and norms and values.

Ániksi and Ffynnon

Ániksi is an island off the coast of Greece. A car ferry makes the journey to the mainland four times daily.