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Sociology of Disability

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Abstract

Conceptual map of sociology of disability, dwelling on the social history of disability, society’s perceptions and perspectives on the disabled body, the explanations of disability by theorists, sociologists and activists etc., is critical to understanding disability which is a complex and dynamic phenomenon as also a highly debated one. Social model, as one of the central points of discussion in the discourse of sociology of disability, is presented with in-depth analysis. Disability discrimination as oppression is discussed, explaining how the history of disability discrimination chronicles a persistent infliction of segregation, dehumanization and exploitation. A brief discussion of the analysis of disability through the lens of theorizations by different sociologists like biopower of Foucault, habitus and capital of Bourdieu, capability approach of Sen and capitalism of Marx is presented. This is followed with the analysis of disability through sociological principles like normalcy and subjectivity and conceptualization of disability by sociologists and disability activists using the theorization of ableism. The chapter ends with a discussion on cultural and feminist perspectives of disability.

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Chennat, S. (2019). Sociology of Disability. In: Chennat, S. (eds) Disability Inclusion and Inclusive Education. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-0524-9_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-0524-9_2

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore

  • Print ISBN: 978-981-15-0523-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-15-0524-9

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