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Disability and the Defamiliar Body: A Critical Examination of Corporeal Experiences

Ryan Foster

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Published in Concerto For The Left Hand: Disability And The Defamiliar Body (Corporealities: Discourses Of Disability)

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Disability is often understood as a deviation from the norm, a body that does not conform to the idealized standards of beauty and functionality. This can lead to a sense of defamiliarization, a feeling of being strange or out of place in one's own body. This article examines the concept of the defamiliar body in the context of disability, exploring the social, cultural, and medical discourses that shape our understanding of disabled bodies.

The Social Construction of Disability

Disability is not a fixed or inherent characteristic of an individual, but rather a social construct that is created and defined by the surrounding culture. The medical model of disability, which is dominant in Western societies, views disability as a medical problem to be fixed or cured. This model focuses on the individual's deficits and limitations, and often leads to a stigmatization of disabled people.

Concerto for the Left Hand: Disability and the Defamiliar Body (Corporealities: Discourses Of Disability)

by Michael Davidson

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The social model of disability, on the other hand, views disability as a social problem created by barriers in the environment. This model emphasizes the role of society in disabling people, and argues for the need to create a more inclusive and accessible world for all.

The Defamiliar Body

The defamiliar body is a body that is seen as different, strange, or unfamiliar. This can be due to a variety of factors, such as disability, illness, or aging. The defamiliar body can be a source of shame and embarrassment for the individual, and can lead to social isolation and exclusion.

The concept of the defamiliar body has been explored in a number of different disciplines, including sociology, anthropology, and philosophy. In the field of disability studies, the defamiliar body is seen as a site of resistance to the dominant social norms that define what is considered to be a normal and acceptable body.

Embodiment and Disability

Embodiment is the experience of one's body as a lived, embodied reality. For disabled people, embodiment can be a complex and challenging experience. The defamiliar body can disrupt the sense of self and identity, and can lead to feelings of alienation and isolation. However, embodiment can also be a source of strength and resilience for disabled people. By embracing their own bodies, disabled people can challenge the dominant social norms that define what is considered to be a normal and acceptable body.

Disability and the Medical Model

The medical model of disability has a profound impact on the way that disabled people are perceived and treated. This model views disability as a medical problem to be fixed or cured, and often leads to a stigmatization of disabled people. The medical model can also lead to a sense of defamiliarization for disabled people, as their bodies are seen as objects to be studied and treated rather than as lived, embodied experiences.

Disability and the Social Model

The social model of disability offers a more empowering and inclusive view of disability. This model views disability as a social problem created by barriers in the environment, and argues for the need to create a more inclusive and accessible world for all. The social model can help to reduce the sense of defamiliarization for disabled people, as it recognizes their bodies as legitimate and valuable members of society.

Disability and the Arts

The arts can provide a powerful way to challenge the dominant social norms that define what is considered to be a normal and acceptable body. Disabled artists have created a wealth of work that explores the experiences of disability, and that challenges the medical model of disability. This work can help to raise awareness of the issues faced by disabled people, and can help to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

Disability is a complex and multifaceted experience that is shaped by a variety of social, cultural, and medical discourses. The concept of the defamiliar body can help us to understand the experiences of disabled people, and to challenge the dominant social norms that define what is considered to be a normal and acceptable body. By embracing the diversity of human bodies, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

Concerto for the Left Hand: Disability and the Defamiliar Body (Corporealities: Discourses Of Disability)

by Michael Davidson

4.5 out of 5