A History of Disability

by Henri-Jacques Stiker, William Sayers (Translator)

The increasing numbers of scholars, policy-makers, and political activists who are concerned with questions of physical and cognitive disability will warmly welcome Henri-Jacques Stiker's book, the first to attempt to provide a framework for analyzing disability through the ages. Published in 1997 in France as Corps infirmes et sociétés and available now in an excellent English translation, the book traces the history of western cultural responses to disability, from ancient times to the present. In this volume, Stiker examines a fundamental issue in contemporary Western discourse on disability: the cultural assumption that equality/sameness/similarity is always desired by those in society. He highlights the consequences of such a mindset, illustrating the intolerance of diversity and individualism that arises from placing such importance on equality. Importantly, Stiker does not hesitate to assert his own stance on the issues he discusses: that difference is not only acceptable, but that it is desirable, that it is necessary. The author goes beyond anecdotal history to traverse a little known history, penetrating to the heart of collective attitudes and reflecting on elements of policy. The sweep is broad; from a rereading and reinterpretation of the Oedipus myth to current legislation regarding disability, he proposes an analytical history that demonstrates how societies reveal themselves through their attitudes towards disability, at times in unexpected ways, since the study of detail is often the best entry into the whole of a culture. The book will be of interest to scholars of disability, historians, social scientists, cultural anthropologists, and those who are intrigued by the role that culture plays in the development of language and thought surrounding the disabled.

Genres: Disability, Disability Studies, History, Nonfiction, Academic, Theory

264 pages, Hardcover

First published January 18, 2000

Reviews

[Walter Rafael Villanueva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stiker’s “A History of Disability” is an interesting and well-researched attempt at providing an overview of how disability has been perceived and constructed by/through sociocultural and religious lenses over time. But to call this a “history” is only a half-truth (as Mitchell and Snyder acknowledge in the foreword to the edition I own) since the focus of this study is exclusively European and Western and largely fails to take into account how disability intersects with other identity categories, such as race, gender, and sexuality. Nonetheless, the book is a good start for those who are still only finding their footing in disability studies.

[Ghm · Rating 4 out of 5]

In some ways I think this book preceded current ideas about disability- namely the calling for "we want our place, not a place that has been designated for us.". Stiker's discussion of inclusion- difference, assimilation, identity- are extremely useful (chapter 6), and the point of this chapter is made, because of it's difference from the chapters that precede it. The structure of the entire book contributes to the argument. It offers understandings and imagining of disability from the past, and questions our current (mainstream) formation of disability.

[Aartjan ter Haar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is noteworthy, although the new English title, “A History of Disability”, from 2019, does not fully encompass the content.
Disability is primarily examined from a Western Hellenistic-Judeo-Christian viewpoint, or, to be precise, a French perspective, as of 1988. This pertains to language, as French terminology differs from English terminology, in addition to legislation and systems of care.
Stiker prompts critical reflection by illustrating how disability and individuals with disabilities are often marginalised and rendered invisible. Throughout the centuries, various attempts have been made to integrate individuals who are different into society, thereby rendering their otherness imperceptible. Otherness, monstrosity, and unhealthiness ought not to exist. In the current era, integration should facilitate assimilation into society. To achieve this goal, differences should be addressed primarily through medical and rehabilitation programs, enabling individuals to integrate into standard productive work processes. If this integration is not feasible, there are designated institutions outside of society, including special education, social workshops, and care facilities.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This work would serve as a good first glance into the history of disability; however, the areas of focus do not always go into helpful depth. Stiker presents a thought-provoking ideology of disability perception through sociocultural and religious lenses, but does not really present as comprehensive a "history" as the title of the work would suggest. His study concentrates on Continental Europe and devotes the most attention to the Classical, Medieval, and Modern eras. If this is the location and these the eras that the reader happens to be particularly interested in, Stiker's work would prove a useful overview.

[Chantel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes a fascinating look at the history of disability. Originally written in French, it focuses almost exclusively on disability history from a European perspective.

The book examines disability in a variety of historical contexts; through Greek myth and broader Ancient Greek society, through the lens of Christianity and the Middle Ages, and finally through the post-World War 1 period, where we see the rise of concepts of "reintegration" and "rehabilitation".

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the history of disability through multiple eras, as well as those interested in how we understand and "manage" disability and how this has changed and developed over time.

To read more reviews, head to my blog