Culling the sacred cows: from disability slogans to disability studies
Tom Shakespeare, PEALS, Bioscience Centre
Abstract
The social model is acknowledged to be the 'big idea' of the disability movement. After formulation in the context of political activism, the concept has undergone a period of challenge, revision and development to create a more adequate theoretical understanding. This paper argues that some other dominant ideas in disability politics are more about rhetoric than a rational response to the needs and rights of disabled people, and that it is time to move beyond slogans in order to construct sustainable positions from which to build a more inclusive world and better relationships for disabled people.
The paper will explore a few sample issues including:
- Charity
- Cure and prevention
- Emancipatory research
- The role of non-disabled people
The paper will include by making an appeal for open debate and fresh thinking in disability studies, rather than rigid ideology and simplistic sloganising, and will suggest some limitations of identity politics.