Origins

In the 70s’, along with the feminist and disability rights movements, a few sociologists shifted their approach towards disability from ""What’s wrong with people with disabilities," to "What are the social forces that determine people with disabilities’ chances in life."" (Bogden & Biklen, 2013, p.1) This reframing of the discussion of disability inspired Bogden and Biklen the term handicapism, which they coined in 1977 as the “set of assumptions and practices that promote the differential and unequal treatment of people because of apparent or assumed physical, mental, or behavioral differences.” In their work, Bogden and Biklen highlight prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination as the basis and results of such assumptions. They then demonstrate the pervasiveness of these ideas, taking, for example, the media image of disability, the barriers disabled individuals face daily, and the extent to which handicapism is structurally integrated (in education, law, and public services, for instance).

Later on, in the 80s’, the term handicapism became ableism. Its definition was broadened: in addition to referring to patterns of discrimination against disabled people, it includes patterns of discrimination in favor of abled individuals. A field of study developed from the work of scholars using this concept as the lens of their approach: disability studies. This field of research is as rich as ableism is pervasive, ranging from film studies to law case analysis, passing by health challenges, cultural questions, and problematics related to inclusivity and accessibility. One of its most recent and notable development is the formulation of Crip theory by McRuer in early 2000’. Focusing on identity, disability, and sexuality, McRuer sheds light on the potential of the intersections between disability studies and queer theories.