Taboo Subjects: Disability

Disability is a topic which has moved forward in recent years, the stigma attached to this type of identity has seen people become more comfortable with talking about the social issues which surround it. However, this interesting clip on the BBC website opens a discussion around interactionist theory and the notion that those with the disability still struggle with the ‘label’ of their disability, not just from others but also the internalised struggled with their identity.

Erika North is a BBC news presenter who candidly talks about the role of perception of others in shaping how an understanding of herself. This is a good 2-3 minutes clip to act as a stimulus when covering the topic of self, identity and difference as both socially caused and socially constructed. 

References: 'You don't look sick enough to park there!' - the radio presenter with a hidden disability

This article is credited to Sunny Gunessee, one of our Sociology contributors at tutor2u.