Dis/ability critical race studies (DisCrit): theorizing at the intersections of race and dis/ability
Dis/ability critical race studies (DisCrit): theorizing at the intersections of race and dis/ability
Authors: Subini Ancy Annamma, David Connor and Beth Ferri
The authors of this article propose a new theoretical framework, DisCrit. It combines Critical Race Theory and Disabilities studies. They argue that race and disability intersect and are interested in researching this. One statistic they shared was, "African American students continue to be three times as likely to be labeled mentally retarded, tow times as likely to be labeled emotionally disturbed, and one and half times as likely to be labeled learning disabled."
The authors also discuss the social construction of dis/ability. It is society's interpretations and responses that decide what is the norm and what is not. Therefore, the interpretation of dis/ability changes throughout history.
The authors rationalize DisCrit because they believe that issues involving disability are issues of equity that involve all people. Racism validates ableism and ableism validates racism. DisCrit seeks to address this structural power.
The authors acknowledge that there are differences among humans, but are rather seeking to see the human response to those differences.
Summary of Tenets:
1. disability is used to marginalize groups in society
2. emphasized multidimensional identities
3. rejects the understanding of race and disability as biological facts
4. marginalized groups' voices are not heard
5. legal, ideological, and historical aspects have been used to deny rights of certain citizens
6. recognizes whiteness and ability as normalcy and disadvantages for others in our society
Authors: Subini Ancy Annamma, David Connor and Beth Ferri
The authors of this article propose a new theoretical framework, DisCrit. It combines Critical Race Theory and Disabilities studies. They argue that race and disability intersect and are interested in researching this. One statistic they shared was, "African American students continue to be three times as likely to be labeled mentally retarded, tow times as likely to be labeled emotionally disturbed, and one and half times as likely to be labeled learning disabled."
The authors also discuss the social construction of dis/ability. It is society's interpretations and responses that decide what is the norm and what is not. Therefore, the interpretation of dis/ability changes throughout history.
The authors rationalize DisCrit because they believe that issues involving disability are issues of equity that involve all people. Racism validates ableism and ableism validates racism. DisCrit seeks to address this structural power.
The authors acknowledge that there are differences among humans, but are rather seeking to see the human response to those differences.
Summary of Tenets:
1. disability is used to marginalize groups in society
2. emphasized multidimensional identities
3. rejects the understanding of race and disability as biological facts
4. marginalized groups' voices are not heard
5. legal, ideological, and historical aspects have been used to deny rights of certain citizens
6. recognizes whiteness and ability as normalcy and disadvantages for others in our society
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