Book: Disability Rights and Wrongs by Tom Shakespeare
Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2009/07/03 - Updated: 2025/05/29
Publication Type: Literature / Review
Category Topic: Disability Publications - Academic Publications
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates
Synopsis: This information reviews Tom Shakespeare's book "Disability Rights and Wrongs," which critically examines the social model of disability and its impact on disability studies and advocacy. The article explains how Shakespeare, a respected scholar in the field, challenges both the limitations and strengths of the social model, arguing for a more nuanced understanding that incorporates both social and medical perspectives. This analysis is authoritative and useful because it draws on Shakespeare's expertise and offers a balanced critique that can inform policy makers, disability advocates, seniors, and people with disabilities seeking a deeper grasp of the complexities surrounding disability rights and identity. The discussion is particularly helpful for those interested in the evolution of disability theory and its real-world implications for inclusion and support - Disabled World (DW).
Introduction
"Tom Shakespeare has produced a work of mature scholarship that advances our thinking about the fundamental issues in Disability Studies. The clarity and balance of his argument challenges others to raise the level of discourse in the field. Disability Rights and Wrongs is a must read." - Gary L. Albrecht, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA
Main Content
In his characteristically polemical and thought-provoking style, Tom Shakespeare presents a call to arms against the British social model of disability. Love it or loathe it, there is much in this book to stimulate debate in disability studies and the wider social science community.
"The reader is taken into familiar territory as well as into areas little explored in disability studies to date. Challenges are thrown up at every turn. Do Shakespeare's arguments hold up? You be the judge." - Carol Thomas, Institute for Health Research, Lancaster University, UK
Galileo was roundly condemned for daring to question the orthodoxy of the day, even though he was right. Tom Shakespeare also challenges orthodoxy concerning disability theory and studies. No cow is sacred and as a result this book will be controversial. But his arguments demand consideration and deep thought.
"If you read only one book on disability rights this year, make this the book." - Bert Massie, Disability Rights Commission, U.K.
Title: "Disability Rights and Wrongs," - Tom Shakespeare
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (October 16, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 041534719X
ISBN-13: 978-0415347198
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: In reevaluating entrenched theories within disability studies, Shakespeare's work serves as a catalyst for meaningful discourse and potential policy reform. By moving beyond binary frameworks, he invites readers to consider a more holistic view of disability that encompasses both social constructs and individual experiences. This approach not only enriches academic discussions but also has practical implications for creating more inclusive and effective support systems for people with disabilities. Shakespeare's work stands out for its willingness to question established paradigms and invite broader, more inclusive conversations about disability. By dissecting the strengths and shortcomings of the social model, the article encourages readers to think beyond binary frameworks and consider the diverse realities faced by people with disabilities. This thoughtful approach is essential for anyone invested in building a more equitable society - Disabled World (DW).
Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.