Disability Theory

by Tobin Siebers

"Disability Theory is just the book we've been waiting for. Clear, cogent, compelling analyses of the tension between the 'social model' of disability and the material details of impairment; of identity politics and unstable identities; of capability rights and human interdependence; of disability and law, disability as masquerade, disability and sexuality, disability and democracy---they're all here, in beautifully crafted and intellectually startling essays. Disability Theory is a field-defining book: and if you're curious about what 'disability' has to do with 'theory,' it's just the book you've been waiting for, too."
---Michael Bérubé, Pennsylvania State University

"Disability Theory is magisterially written, thoroughly researched, and polemically powerful. It will be controversial in a number of areas and will probably ruffle feathers both in disability studies as well as in realms of cultural theory. And that's all to the good."
---Michael Davidson, University of California, San Diego


"Not only is Disability Theory a groundbreaking contribution to disability studies, it is also a bold, ambitious and much needed revision to a number of adjacent and overlapping fields including cultural studies, literary theory, queer theory, and critical race studies. Siebers has written a powerful manifesto that calls theory to account and forces readers to think beyond our comfort zones."
---Helen Deutsch, University of California, Los Angeles


Intelligent, provocative, and challenging, Disability Theory revolutionizes the terrain of theory by providing indisputable evidence of the value and utility that a disability studies perspective can bring to key critical and cultural questions. Tobin Siebers persuasively argues that disability studies transfigures basic assumptions about identity, ideology, language, politics, social oppression, and the body. At the same time, he advances the emerging field of disability studies by putting its core issues into contact with signal thinkers in cultural studies, literary theory, queer theory, gender studies, and critical race theory.

Genres: Disability, Disability Studies, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Theory, Sociology, Health

240 pages, Paperback

First published June 16, 2008

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting and thought-provoking book! There were some parts where, thinking about it from a public policy standpoint, or even just a contemporary politics standpoint, I was thinking, "Oh, god, how would we ever manage to implement some of the stuff discussed here?" But I think this is part of the reason why I was seeking out a better grounding in disability studies: you need to be able to be informed by the ideals in order to build a policy that creates good for those affected. It was also really interesting to read a philosophical defense of identity politics at a time when every think piece seems to be arguing against.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am only through the introduction (first 33 pages) and I am already hooked. Siebers synthesizes, critiques and builds upon past and current thought underlying disability theory. For those unfamilar with disability theory, it is an eye-opener. For those in the field, it challenges some cherished positions and metaphors. While basing his conception of disability on minotity identity theory, he is not shy about pointing out some of its potential pitfalls (and those of social construction in general as well). It is lucid, comprehensive, well-argued and provocative. I wish I'd had it a year ago when I was working on my dissertation!

[Meggan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish I had time to write a better review. Let's just say this book saved my dissertation from disaster so many times. Siebers is truly forward-thinking and revolutionary when it comes to thinking about the body. He's my #1 academic influence. I want to work with him after I graduate - IF I can muster enough courage to ask about a postdoc position.

[McKenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

I don't have a lot to say about this other than it provided a good background on disability studies as someone who does not have a lot of academic experience with disability. I read it as background knowledge for a final paper, and I feel like it helped expand what I already knew and helped to back up some personal experience with academics. Good introduction in my opinion.

[Julian Bodnar · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are struggling with changing your perspective on the meaning of disability in life, this is the book to read inorder for you to begin that journey. Siebers' ability to inspire one to do so is phenomenal. His writing not only challenges one to have to occasionally re-read what he says, but also inspires one to do so for better understanding of the challenges of living with circumstances of disability. This is a must read for all, be they seen as disabled, or not.
www.disabilitywellness.com

[Chris Nagel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is certainly required reading for anyone interested in disability studies. I find Susan Wendell, S. Kay Toombs and Rosemarie Garland-Thomson more interesting and more challenging, mainly because Siebers while is often provocative, he is just as often conceptually sloppy, and almost never interpretatively fair. This could be a good book for teaching a course with a disability studies focus, but if you really want to provoke students, have them read Feminist Queer Crip instead.

[Naomi Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute genius. His extremely nuanced reflections on disability as identity (framed against the background of today's struggles over identity politics and whether it is relevant) will change your entire way of seeing disability. Recommend.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like the disability bible!

[Jeremiah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking for a baseline on disabilities studies that I could use, in part, to help develop my Master's Thesis. What I got was that and so much more. This book explores things I never even thought of as a disabled person, specifically because I am able to "masquerade" as Siebers refers to it. There is also an extensive bibliography and some sources that should also prove more helpful towards the academic purpose of reading this book.

On a personal level, this book expanded my understanding of what it means to be disabled on an ideological and political level. It has given me new insights on how to handle and address instances in which I must self-advocate.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found most value in the chapter about masquerades. Individuals with disability will perform in accordance with ableist expectations as a way on ensuring accommodations. Essentially, disabled people exaggerate their disability so ignorant egg heads don’t question them.

Pro tip: if you find yourself asking the circumstances of ones ability/lack thereof, stop it. Stop it now.

[Liz Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful read if you're looking for theories on complex embodiment, meditations on what disability offers identity politics as a unifying movement composed of marginalized folx, or thoughts on disabled people as a sexual minority.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably THE definitive book on disability theory. The information and ideas proposed in this book can keep one busy for days and days. Highly recommended!

[Anton Løkke Laursen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Siebers manages to create an entirely new way of looking at the disabled body. His argumentation is immaculate; activistic yet sober. The text examples (or so-called 'dossiers') appearing throughout the book are quite obscure at first, but one gradually grasp what Siebers is trying to convey. Some of these examples of the discursive treatment of disability are genuinely unsettling.