The Routledge International Handbook of Disability Human Rights Hierarchies

Disability is defined by hierarchy, with persons with disabilities often pushed to the bottom of the social hierarchy. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006) provided a path forward for tearing down ableist social hierarchies, but it has often created new hierarchies among persons with disabilities. This volume explores the nuanced role that hierarchies play in the spread, implementation, and protection of disability human rights and includes case-studies from various countries.

Format: Hardback
Length: 648 pages
Publication date: 18 October 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Disability is a complex and multifaceted concept that is defined by a hierarchical structure in society. Regardless of cultural or contextual differences, individuals with disabilities are often relegated to the lowest social positions. The advent of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006) brought a sense of hope and progress, as it aimed to dismantle ableist social hierarchies and ensure equal treatment for all individuals with disabilities worldwide. However, despite significant advancements, the disability human rights project remains unfinished and has sometimes even led to the emergence of new hierarchies within the disability community or between the human rights it promotes.

Certain groups of persons with disabilities have gained increased visibility and advocacy, while others remain marginalized and unheard. Moreover, the prioritization of certain rights over others is often driven by the desires of states, international organizations, and advocates rather than by the immediate needs and priorities of those with disabilities on the ground.

This volume seeks to explore the multifaceted role of hierarchies in the spread, implementation, and protection of disability human rights. It is inspired by the ongoing need to expose human rights violations against persons with disabilities and to understand the nuanced dynamics that shape the disability human rights movement. The book is divided into five parts, each addressing different aspects of the issue.

The first part, "Who Counts as Disabled?" examines the diverse ways in which individuals are categorized as disabled, including physical, intellectual, cognitive, sensory, and mental disabilities. It explores the political, social, and cultural contexts that shape these definitions and the ways in which they perpetuate inequalities.

The second part, "Political, Social, and Cultural Context," delves into the ways in which political, social, and cultural factors influence the experiences and rights of persons with disabilities. It examines the power dynamics at play, the barriers to inclusion, and the ways in which dominant groups and institutions marginalize and exclude individuals with disabilities.

The third part, "Which Rights on Top, Whose Rights on Bottom?" explores the hierarchies that exist within the disability rights movement itself. It examines the struggles for recognition and equality, the different priorities and agendas of different disability groups, and the ways in which these hierarchies can hinder progress and perpetuate inequalities.

The fourth part, "Pushed to the Periphery in the Disability Rights Movement," focuses on the experiences of individuals with disabilities who are marginalized and excluded from mainstream disability rights discourse. It examines the ways in which they are silenced, stigmatized, and discriminated against, and the challenges they face in accessing their rights and participating in the disability rights movement.

The fifth part, "Representations of Disability," explores the ways in which disability is represented in popular culture, media, and the arts. It examines the dominant narratives and stereotypes that perpetuate disability discrimination and the ways in which these representations shape public attitudes and beliefs about individuals with disabilities.

In conclusion, disability is defined by hierarchy, and individuals with disabilities are often relegated to the lowest social positions in society. The disability human rights project has made significant progress, but it remains incomplete and has sometimes even created new hierarchies within the disability community. It is essential to explore the nuanced role of hierarchies in the spread, implementation, and protection of disability human rights in order to achieve true equality and inclusion for all individuals with disabilities.

Weight: 1102g
Dimension: 165 x 242 x 42 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032530833