Disability Term Paper
INTRO TO SOCIOLOGY 1
Running head: DISABILITY TERM PAPER
Disability Term Paper
By
Jose A. Rosario
Student # 700316
Central Texas College
For Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirement for SOCI 1301
Introduction to Sociology
Submitted to Dr. Duffy
December 7, 2010
INTRO TO SOCIOLOGY 2
INTRODUCTION
This paper demonstrates that hitherto sociological analyses of disability have been theoretically and methodologically inadequate. It is written that sociology, in common with the other major contemporary disciplines, has accepted almost without question the legitimacy of the individualistic biomedical approach to disability. It is argued that this partial and essentially 'non-disabled' reading of the phenomenon has succeeded in precluding a meaningful evaluation of the economic, political and cultural forces which created and continue to create disability in modern society. Thus the discipline as a whole has contributed significantly to the continued marginalization of the disabled population. Moreover, by focusing on the development of the international disabled people's movement and the work of disabled writers it is suggested that disability is an issue as central to mainstream sociological discourse and analysis as class, gender, race and sexuality.
INTRO TO SOCIOLOGY 3
DISABILITY
Recently, a number of sociologists working in a general area of medical sociology and chronic illness have expressed concern over the growing importance of the 'social oppression theory' of disability, associated research methodologies, and their implications for doing research in the 'chronic illness and disability fields' (Bury, 1992). Whilst these writers, who call themselves scientists, feel the need to 'positively debate' these developments the basis of their concern is similar to that expressed by Hammersley with respect to some aspects of feminist research, i.e. the tendency to 'privilege experience over sociological research methodology' (Hammersley, 1992). In short, it
Running head: DISABILITY TERM PAPER
Disability Term Paper
By
Jose A. Rosario
Student # 700316
Central Texas College
For Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirement for SOCI 1301
Introduction to Sociology
Submitted to Dr. Duffy
December 7, 2010
INTRO TO SOCIOLOGY 2
INTRODUCTION
This paper demonstrates that hitherto sociological analyses of disability have been theoretically and methodologically inadequate. It is written that sociology, in common with the other major contemporary disciplines, has accepted almost without question the legitimacy of the individualistic biomedical approach to disability. It is argued that this partial and essentially 'non-disabled' reading of the phenomenon has succeeded in precluding a meaningful evaluation of the economic, political and cultural forces which created and continue to create disability in modern society. Thus the discipline as a whole has contributed significantly to the continued marginalization of the disabled population. Moreover, by focusing on the development of the international disabled people's movement and the work of disabled writers it is suggested that disability is an issue as central to mainstream sociological discourse and analysis as class, gender, race and sexuality.
INTRO TO SOCIOLOGY 3
DISABILITY
Recently, a number of sociologists working in a general area of medical sociology and chronic illness have expressed concern over the growing importance of the 'social oppression theory' of disability, associated research methodologies, and their implications for doing research in the 'chronic illness and disability fields' (Bury, 1992). Whilst these writers, who call themselves scientists, feel the need to 'positively debate' these developments the basis of their concern is similar to that expressed by Hammersley with respect to some aspects of feminist research, i.e. the tendency to 'privilege experience over sociological research methodology' (Hammersley, 1992). In short, it
References: ABBERLEY, p. 1987 'The Concept of Oppression and the Development of a Social Theory of Disability ' Disability Handicap and Society 2, 1, pp. 5 - 19. ANDERSON, R. and BURY, M. (eds.) 1988 Living with Chronic Illness London: Unwin Hyman. ANSPACH, R 1979 'From Stigma to Identity Politics ' Social Science and Medicine 134, pp. 765 - 773. ALBRECHT, G. L. 1976 The Sociology of Physical Disability and Rehabilitation Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press. ALBRECHT, G. 1992 The Disability Business London: Sage. BARNES, C. 1990 Cabbage Syndrome: The Social Construction of Dependence Lewes: Falmer. BARNES, C. 1991 Disabled People in Britain and Discrimination: A Case for Anti-Discrimination Legislation London: Hurst and Co. in association with the British Council of Organisations of Disabled People. BARNES, C. 1992 Disabling Imagery and the Media Belper: British Council of Organisations of Disabled People in Association with Ryburn Press. BARNES, C. (ed.) 1993 Making Choices: Independent Living, Personal Assistance and Disabled People Belper: The British Council of Organisations Rosario, J. A. (2010, November 14). own opinion.