Identity: Disability

Identity: Disability

1. MEDIA - Representation of disabled is often negative - tend to be objects of pity or charity - 'UNDATEABLES'

2. WORK - employers are reluctant to employ disabled - economically disadvantage

3. Identity is often shaped by physical and mental impairments

   • media influence us into seeing their situation as tragic (example: children in need)

4. SHAKESPEARE AND BARNES - see disabled identity as socially constructed

5. Our built environment (access to toilets, buildings and transport) are often not suitable for the needs of the disabled - however this is improving

6. Goffman - discrimination can have a significant effect on self esteem - 'disabled identity' becomes a master status - self fulfilling prophecy