Exploring accountability, human rights and legitimacy from a disability equality perspective

Chapman, Laura Margaret (2020). Exploring accountability, human rights and legitimacy from a disability equality perspective. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Matters of sustainability rarely deal with issues of disability from an equitable perspective − that is, putting disabled people’s voices within a wider conversation that informs mainstream debate. As a group, the disabled population are ignored; a silencing imposed on them as untrustworthy speakers, and thereby denied a role as authors of knowledge marginalises them. This has a trickle-up effect with regard to worldwide affairs, the complexity and nuance of debates nationally, the presentation of theory within disciplines and ultimately the rejection of disabled people’s individuality and humanity. While this silencing is critical to the methodological, ontological and epistemological concerns of many subjects, lack of recognised authority has led to a denial in participation more widely characterised by an issue of trust in society. This research is based on an ethnographic observation provided an exploration of accountability, human rights, and legitimacy with a disability sensitivity. The research used language policy as tool of analysis to explore the way globally narratives erode what should be for disabled people an unalienable entitlement to human rights. Through a 5-point scale, a web of accountabilities, helps articulate how a dialogue may help counter ableism in a spirit of co-production. The vignettes from the empiric site give a representation of accountability in conversation and activity. The reflection and theorisation then informs a specifically activist interpretation of legitimacy theory, one that could keep the interests of the disabled population at its heart. Overall, the text stands as a rough example of theoretical blending that seeks to avoid domestication of disabled people’s voices that could inform that of other work, within organisations seeking to secure greater commitment to human rights through addressing inequality within their culture.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):