Migration, technology and care: what happens to the body?. Issue 3 (16th March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Swartz, Leslie; Marchetti-Mercer, Maria
• Is Part Of: Disability & society. Volume 34:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 407
• Page End: 420
• Publication Date: 2019-03-16
• Subjects: Disability -- migration -- technology -- care -- ageing; People with disabilities -- Periodicals; People with disabilities -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; Special education -- Periodicals; Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; 362.4
• DOI: 10.1080/09687599.2018.1519409
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0968-7599

Abstract

Abstract: Migration is a social phenomenon impacting upon family life and conceptualisations of care. Simultaneously, technological advances allow families to stay connected. Care issues in the context of disability and aging may affect family relationships and how families develop. What is little understood is how these issues in migrant families affect a 'family life course'. We use the case of a South African family with a daughter who is deaf and has other impairments. We argue that when communication is foregrounded and other, embodied, aspects of family care are relegated to the background, we lose the opportunity to understand family care patterns. We relate our discussion to broader theoretical questions regarding the body and care in disability studies.