Conclusion

Question 1

In conclusion on Disability what does Bradley have to offer?

Answer 1

Bradley

Offers a more useful approach by suggesting the need to combine modernist and postmodernist views. She argues that identity depends very much on social, political and personal circumstances.

However, she does argue that disability is becoming an increasingly politicised identity, and there is evidence to support her view:
• There is a large disability rights movement, trying to build a more positive identity for disabled people
• 300 deaf social clubs across Britain
• Raves for thousands of deaf partygoers organised by a deaf DJ

Question 2

Are disabled identities viewed positively or negatively in contemporary society?

Summary of the debate.

Positively Viewed

Many points

Answer 2

Social Model of Disability – More positive representations are occurring and they need to focus on independence, choice, autonomy
Interactionism – changing labels, identity is being constructed differently now.
New disabled political movements challenging inequalities and equal rights and access.
Media representation changes - Increased coverage, assimilated into mainstream (presenters), Paralympics impact.
Incorporation of physically disabled now law – new building etc.
Disabled now resist definitions of disability that focus on dependency and helplessness.
Socialisation – Antle – children with disabilities do not quantitatively differ in how they see disabilities compared to children without disabilities
Olney & Kim – Disabled people felt much more positive about self-image, even if they are aware

Question 3

Are disabled identities viewed positively or negatively in contemporary society?

Summary of the debate.

Negatively Viewed

Many points

Answer 3

Medical Model of Disability
Marxism – Finkelstein – Negative cultural attitudes towards disabled are a product of capitalism, Pre-Industrial and Industrialisation, Economic Burden, Learned Helplessness (Watson),
Feminism – Difficulty in constructing a positive identity due to sexual attractiveness labels.
Interactionism – Stigmatisation (Goffman), management of stigmatisation, Learned Helplessness and Self-fulfilling prophecy (Scott), disability becomes a master status
Postmodernism - Disability is a social construction, dependency v independence (Marsh & Keating)
Media representations and stereotypes
Longmore: Monsters/dependent on others
Cumberbacth & Negrine: Disabled are rarely represented as “a person, an individual, who happens to have a disability” – Focus is on disability.
Wood: Lack of working disabled means challenging stereotype is difficult.
Impact on Disabled Identity – Lack of employment puts them on welfare benefits (poverty), Brown: Disabled are seen as ‘innocents or perverts’, Kallianes & Rubenfeld – Disabled women discriminated against – unsuitable mothers/forced sterilisation.