Overview
This lecture introduces Crip Theory as an analytic framework within disability studies, discusses its relationship to queer theory, and explains the concept of ableism and its societal roots.
What is Crip Theory?
- Crip Theory is a multifaceted analytic that approaches culture from the perspective of disabled experiences, embodiments, and movements.
- It is often developed and driven by queer disabled individuals ("queer crips") seeking parallels between queerness and disability.
- Crip Theory examines the fluidity of embodiment, challenging the binary of able-bodied versus disabled.
- Like queer theory for lesbian and gay studies, Crip Theory adds complexity to disability studies, especially regarding identity.
- It both affirms and questions disability identity, allowing for political use and resistance to fixed categories.
- Crip Theory encourages coalition-building across multiple identities, instead of relying solely on singular identity politics.
Understanding Ableism
- Ableism is a form of exclusion and oppression comparable to homophobia, racism, and sexism.
- It is not limited to individual discriminatory attitudes but is embedded in societal structures, such as architecture, education, media, and language.
- Ableism assumes and prioritizes able-bodiedness as the norm, marginalizing other embodiments.
- Most theorists view ableism as systemic and pervasive, shaping spaces and expectations to suit able-bodied people.
- The persistence of ableism is linked to the maintenance of privilege and power by dominant groups, even when exclusion is unintentional.
- Even in liberal societies, ableism is deeply ingrained and often operates unconsciously.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Crip Theory — An analytic approach that centers disabled experiences and critiques fixed categories of ability and identity.
- Ableism — Systemic discrimination and social prejudice against people with disabilities, favoring able-bodied norms.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review works by Eli Clare and Carrie Sandahl for further insights into Crip Theory.
- Reflect on personal and institutional practices for ingrained ableism.
- Prepare questions for discussion on coalition-building across identities within disability studies.