Disability in Contemporary China: Citizenship, Identity and Culture

Sarah Dauncey's book explores disability and citizenship in Chinese society and culture from 1949 to the present, shedding new light on how disability and disabled identities have been represented and negotiated. She proposes a new theoretical framework for understanding disabled citizenship, para-citizenship, that synthesizes the often troubling contradictions of citizenship for disabled people.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 245 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Sarah Dauncey's groundbreaking work delves into the intricate relationship between disability and citizenship in Chinese society and culture,spanning from 1949 to the present. By meticulously analyzing a diverse range of Chinese sources, including film, documentaries, literature, life writing, media, and state documents, she sheds valuable new light on the ways in which disability and disabled identities have been portrayed and negotiated throughout this period. Through her comprehensive analysis, she exposes the stringent standards that have been imposed on individuals with disabilities as the Chinese state has struggled to uphold expectations of what constitutes the ideal Chinese citizen.

Drawing from this, Dauncey presents a novel theoretical framework for understanding disabled citizenship in different societies, coined as "para-citizenship." This framework challenges the traditional notion of citizenship and proposes a more dynamic and inclusive relationship between identity and belonging. Dauncey's work synthesizes the often conflicting realities of citizenship for disabled people, navigating the perils of bodily and mental difference while also highlighting the potential for personal and collective empowerment.

This groundbreaking exploration of disability and citizenship in Chinese society and culture offers a profound understanding of the complexities and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in a rapidly changing world. Dauncey's work contributes to our understanding of citizenship and identity more broadly, challenging us to reimagine our societal norms and embrace a more inclusive and equitable approach to disability.

ISBN-13: 9781107544369