Metanarratives of Disability: Culture, Assumed Authority, and the Normative Social Order

This book explores multiple metanarratives of disability to introduce and investigate the critical concept of assumed authority and the normative social order from which it derives. It discusses how assumed authority is underpinned by a displacement of personal narratives in favor of overarching metanarratives of disability that find currency in cultural representations. It will be of interest to scholars and students of disability studies, medical sociology, medical humanities, education studies, cultural studies, and health.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 27 May 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into diverse metanarratives of disability, shedding light on the crucial concept of assumed authority and the normative social order it stems from. Comprising 15 chapters spread across three parts, the book is authored by individuals with research interests in the specific disabilities they focus on, as well as direct or intimate experiential knowledge. Drawing from disability studies, the book explores how assumed authority, often masked by the guise of helpfulness, is perpetuated through the displacement of personal narratives in favor of overarching metanarratives of disability that find resonance in various cultural representations. These representations span a wide range of mediums, including literature, film, television, advertising, social media, comics, art, and music. By examining how these metanarratives shape perceptions and experiences of disabilities such as blindness, autism, Down syndrome, diabetes, cancer, and HIV/AIDS, the book offers valuable insights into the broader societal implications of these narratives.

This book appeals to scholars and students across a wide range of disciplines, including disability studies, medical sociology, medical humanities, education studies, cultural studies, and health. It provides a well-structured and accessible collection of disability narratives that prioritize the voices and experiences of disabled individuals. By challenging dominant narratives and promoting a more inclusive understanding of disability, this book contributes to the ongoing dialogue about the social, cultural, and political aspects of disability.

In conclusion, Metanarratives of Disability is a groundbreaking work that offers a profound exploration of the complex relationship between disability, assumed authority, and societal norms. By presenting a diverse range of disability narratives and highlighting the role of cultural representations in shaping perceptions and experiences, this book provides valuable insights into the lived experiences of disabled individuals and contributes to the ongoing efforts to promote disability justice and equality.

Weight: 396g
Dimension: 154 x 234 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367523190