A Very Capitalist Condition: A history and politics of disability

by Roddy Slorach

What does the term “disability” mean today? For many it is a highly negative label that they do not accept. In recent years, it has become associated with unemployment and dependence on benefits. But how were people we now call disabled treated in earlier societies?

This book examines the origins and development of disability and highlights the hidden history of groups such as disabled war veterans, deaf people and those in mental distress.

In a wide-ranging critique, Roddy Slorach describes how capitalist society segregates and marginalises disabled people, turning our minds and bodies into commodities and generating new impairment and disability as it does so.

He argues that Marxism not only helps provide a fuller understanding of the politics and nature of disability, but also offers a vision of how disabled people can play a part in building a better world for all.

Genres: Disability, Nonfiction, Politics, History, Health

319 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Martin Empson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ironically I write this on the evening that Iain Duncan Smith, one of the politicians most central to the assault on welfare in the UK under the Tories, resigns from government in the aftermath of further attacks on disabled people.

Roddy Slorach's new book, A Very Capitalist Condition, is an extremely important contribution to the Marxist analysis of oppression. It takes up many different subjects but it is accessible, aimed at activists as much as those trying to understand how Marxism can both explain the world and offer a strategy to change it. It also helps to explain the ideologies behind the attacks on the welfare of disabled people.

My full review: http://resolutereader.blogspot.co.uk/...

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm done! *happy dance* I may add a review later.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good starting place for disability politic! Definitely British. It’s rapid fire all the things u should know.

[The Bookmouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[AHW · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid overview on the subject of disability by a UK Trotskyist. Very accessible, quick and easy to read - light on theory, but a nice primer. I wish there was a whole lot more marxist and communist disability analysis available.