California and the Politics of Disability, 1850-1970

This book explores the political, legal, medical, and social battles that led to the widespread institutionalization of Californians with disabilities from the gold rush to the 1970s, using Los Angeles County as a case study. It examines how medical, social, and political arguments that individuals with disabilities needed to be institutionalized became enshrined in state law, how the friction between state and county policy influenced the treatment of individuals, and how the mission and methods of such institutions evolved over time, culminating in the 1960s with the birth of the disability rights movement.

Format: Hardback
Length: 353 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate political, legal, medical, and social struggles that resulted in the widespread institutionalization of individuals with disabilities in California from the gold rush to the 1970s. By the early 20th century, most American states had established specialized facilities to provide care and control for people with disabilities. These institutions, which reflect the lived experiences of many Americans with disabilities during this era, have played a significant role in shaping their lives.

However, our understanding of how these state institutions fit into specific regional, state, or local contexts west of the Mississippi River remains limited. We know relatively little about how these contexts influenced the evolution of institutions over time, or how regional institutions contributed to the broader history of care and control of Americans with mental and developmental disabilities in the United States.

In this book, the author aims to address these gaps in knowledge by examining how medical, social, and political arguments advocating for the institutionalization of individuals with disabilities became enshrined in state law in California. Through a detailed case study of Los Angeles County, the book explores how the friction between state and county policies influenced the treatment of individuals within these facilities. It also tracks the evolution of the mission and methods of these institutions, culminating in the 1960s with the birth of the disability rights movement and the complete rewriting of California's laws on the treatment and rights of Californians with disabilities.

This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of California and the American West. It sheds light on the complex interplay between disability, politics, and activism, and how these factors have shaped our understanding of life for Americans with disabilities. The author's meticulous research and analysis provide a deep and nuanced understanding of the historical context and the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in California and beyond.

Overall, this book is a must-read for scholars, activists, and anyone with an interest in disability history and social justice. It offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of the past and the potential for a more inclusive and equitable future for all individuals with disabilities.

Weight: 606g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031217135
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023