Disability and difference: balancing social and physical constructions. Issue 6 (1st December 2001)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Koch, Tom
• Is Part Of: Journal of medical ethics. Volume 27:Issue 6(2001)
• Page Start: 370
• Page End: 376
• Publication Date: 2001-12-01
• Subjects: Bioethics -- disability -- eugenics -- paradox -- social construction theory; Medical ethics -- Periodicals; 174.2
• DOI: 10.1136/jme.27.6.370
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-6800

Abstract

Abstract : The world of disability theory is currently divided between those who insist it reflects a physical fact affecting life quality and those who believe disability is defined by social prejudice. Despite a dialogue spanning bioethical, medical and social scientific literatures the differences between opposing views remains persistent. The result is similar to a figure-ground paradox in which one can see only part of a picture at any moment. This paper attempts to find areas of commonality between the opposing camps, and thus to rearrange the figures of the paradox at a fundamental level. The purpose is first to identify areas in which common ground can be achieved, and secondarily, to clarify the areas in which disagreement continues. While a general and unified theory of physical difference/disability is beyond the scope of this paper the result may advance that general goal.