Expert opinions of the Therapeutic Pedagogy Ward of the Viennese University’s Children’s Clinic – Functions, Contents and Impacts in the Twentieth Century

Abstract

The Therapeutic Pedagogy Ward assumed a central position within the Viennese welfare system soon after its opening in 1911. The minors being observed were thought to be “difficult”, “neglected” or suffering from mental or physical disabilities. Some were admitted to assess their (intellectual) abilities and released with an expert report either on how to further treat or where to place them. By analysing expert opinions from 1912 to the 1970s, this paper examines the cooperation of the institutions involved in this endeavour. For that purpose, it not only studies the contents of these expert opinions but focuses on language, shedding light on acceptance, understanding and appropriation of therapeutic pedagogic concepts in related disciplines. Thus, by investigating the practice of categorizing individuality, this article highlights common forms of typing in therapeutic pedagogy and its importance beyond the narrow institutional setting.