When prioritizing the disability identity over other identifiable factors, it negates how other distinguishing factors impact the subjective disability experience. 

The Essentialist Approach Limits the Analysis of the Lived Disability Experience(s)

Research within the disability studies discapline often classifies groups based on the category of ability which discounts the variations in experience when other intersecting identities contribute to an individuals reality. 

Binary Approach to Disabillity Studies Research

Disability studies resaerch often neglects the presence of an individual's identity which can have major influence over their subjective reality and reinforces oppressive systems. 

Critical Perspective of Disability Studies

- binary approach (disabled versus able-bodied)
- essentialist (focused primarily on ability status)

Arizona State University

A major critique of the current disability studies discipline relates to its essentialist and binary approach to understanding disability and the subjective disability experience. 

Disability Studies and Intersectionality


Tina Goethals, Elisabeth De Schauwer, & Geert Van Hove. (2015). Weaving Intersectionality into Disability Studies Research: Inclusion, Reflexivity and Anti-Essentialism. DiGeSt. Journal of Diversity and Gender Studies, 2(1–2), 75–94. https://doi.org/10.11116/jdivegendstud.2.1-2.0075


Weaving Intersectionality into Disability Studies Research: Inclusion, Reflexivity and Anti-Essentialism

Intersectionality examines the experiences of people who are experiencing discrimination on the basis of two or more marginalized identities at the same time, and how this differs from experiencing discrimnination on the basis of these identities individually.  Because of this depending on context, we all have areas where we experience privilege, as well as areas of oppression

For example, the stereotypes or preconceived notions held about black women are not merely a combination of those held about black people and those held about women, but a unique intersection of racism and sexism that black women experience differently from either black men or white women.

Intersectionality

Current Pitfalls in the Methodology Used in Disability Studies Research

- inclusive
- reflexive
- anti-essentialist

Research Qualities that Consider Intersectional factors 

In this article, Strand discusses how Intersectionality Theory and the Neurodiversity Paradigm have been conceptualized, utilized, and operationalized - understanding how a theoretical concept is applied in context. Through this study, Strand poses that intersectionality theory and the neurodiversity paradigm can work to strengthen the theoretical aims and application of each other. 

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