Historical Trauma and the Disability Community

Authors

Susan Neely-Barnes, University of MemphisFollow
Melissa Hirschi, University of MemphisFollow
Laura Taylor, University of MemphisFollow

Keywords

disability history, disability studies, historical trauma, oppression, disability justice

Abstract

The theory of historical trauma has emerged as an important perspective for understanding historically oppressed communities, especially communities racialized as black or brown. The theory has been given relatively little attention in disability studies and in practice with people with disabilities. People with disabilities have experienced historical marginalization, oppression, and genocide and continue to experience oppression today. This paper explores the elements of historical trauma and how they apply to the disability experience. Future research in disability studies and social work should consider the historical trauma perspective. An understanding of historical trauma would tie social work practice more closely with a social justice perspective on disability.

Recommended Citation

Neely-Barnes, Susan; Hirschi, Melissa; and Taylor, Laura (2024) "Historical Trauma and the Disability Community," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 51: Iss. 1, Article 20.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.4706
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol51/iss1/20