Introducing Disability Studies

by Ronald J. Berger, Loren E. Wilbers

Overview

Praise for the first edition:

"A well-written, accessible, and well-rounded introduction to disability studies for all levels of education. Readers will find excellent sociological grounding of the historical, cultural, and legal factors that inform our understanding of disability and ableism." —-Christina Papadimitriou, Sociology of Disabilities

"A welcome, accessible introduction to the growing field of disability studies." —Michelle Jarman, Disability Studies Quarterly

"Offer[s] a much-needed perspective to balance negative socially constructed opinions regarding disability."—Jane Crawford, International Journal of Disability, Development, and Education


The new edition of this acclaimed text is an up-to-date introduction to the key themes, research, and controversies in disability studies.



The authors' innovative approach offers thorough coverage of:
• diverse theoretical perspectives
• historical context, from ancient times to the present
• the impact of disability throughout the life course
• a range of physical, sensory, and cognitive impairments
• the place of disability in popular culture
• ethical issues, such as genetic selection and physician-assisted suicide



While giving prominence to the voices of individuals, they provide a solid foundation for making sense of disability not only as a personal experience, but also as a social phenomenon.


CONTENTS:

• Disability and Society.
• Perspectives on Disability.
• The Uneven March of Progress.
• The Family and Childhood. Adolescence, Adulthood, and Aging.
• The Bodily Experience of Disability.
• Disability and Popular Culture.
• The Future of Disability.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781626379251
Publisher:	Lynne Rienner Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	12/03/2020
Edition description:	2nd edition
Pages:	299
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Ronald J. Berger is professor emeritus of sociology at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater (UWW).The late and Marvin D. Free, Jr. was professor emeritus of sociology; Melissa Deller is senior lecturer in sociology; and Patrick K. O’Brien is assistant professor of sociology at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater.

Editorial Reviews

A well-written, accessible, and well-rounded introduction to disability studies for all levels of education. Readers will find excellent sociological grounding of the historical, cultural, and legal factors that inform our understanding of disability and ableism.

Christina Papadimitriou

Offer[s] a much-needed perspective to balance negative socially constructed opinions regarding disability.

Jane Crawford

A welcome, accessible introduction to the growing field of disability studies.

Michelle Jarman

A must-have book for courses in disability studies or the sociology of disability, or for anyone interested in learning more about disability from a sociological perspective.

Humanity & Society

Well-written and thoughtfully constructed.... Berger combines theory, historical accounts, social and behavioral research, and personal narratives to produce a broad and accessible text well suited for use in disability studies and sociology of disability courses.

Richard K. Scotch

In eight beautifully written chapters, Berger succinctly incorporates theory, history, [and] examples from popular culture, along with quotes and personal narratives from people with disabilities, to show how and why disability is important on a social, rather than solely an individual, level.... [This] is a must-have book for courses in disability studies or the sociology of disability, or for anyone interested in learning more about disability from a sociological perspective.

Loren Wilbers