Divergent Horizons: Unveiling the Multifaceted Nature of Disability

In "Divergent Horizons: Unveiling the Multifaceted Nature of Disability," Tom Shakespeare, a leading disability academic and activist, challenges conventional perspectives on disability and offers a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of its social, cultural, and personal dimensions.

Drawing on a critical realist perspective, Shakespeare argues that the social model theory of disability has reached a dead end. He critiques the dangerous polarizations of medical model versus social model, impairment versus disability, and disabled people versus non-disabled people. Instead, he promotes a pluralist, engaged, and nuanced approach to disability that recognizes the complexity and diversity of human experiences.

"Divergent Horizons" examines the drawbacks of the disability movement's emphasis on identity politics, arguing that it can lead to essentialism and exclusion. It also delves into the ethical dilemmas surrounding disability, particularly in the contexts of bioethics and end-of-life care, calling for a compassionate and inclusive approach that respects the autonomy and dignity of individuals with disabilities.

Throughout its chapters, the book explores disability in various aspects of life, including education, employment, relationships, and the arts. It highlights the barriers and challenges individuals with disabilities encounter in these domains while also showcasing their resilience, creativity, and determination in overcoming adversity. The book calls for transformative changes in societal attitudes, policies, and practices to create a more inclusive and equitable world for individuals with disabilities.

"Divergent Horizons" is a timely and essential contribution to the field of disability studies. It is a thought-provoking exploration of disability that challenges conventional perspectives and offers a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of this complex human experience.

With its rigorous scholarship, passionate advocacy, and accessible writing style, "Divergent Horizons" is a must-read for anyone interested in disability studies, sociology, public policy, ethics, or human rights. It is a groundbreaking work that will reshape our understanding of disability and its implications for society as a whole.

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Release date

Ebook: 2 June 2025