Internalized ableism

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Internalized ableism is a phenomenon where disabled individuals absorb and enact negative beliefs and prejudiced values about disability that are prevalent in society. [1] Internalized ableism is a form of discrimination against oneself and others with disabilities, rooted in the view that disability is a source of shame, should be concealed, or warrants refusal of support or accessibility. [2] This internal conflict can stem from continuous exposure to negative social attitudes and a lack of adequate support for disabled people's needs, which contributes to a cycle of rejecting their identity to align with ableist "norms." Ableism encompasses more than just ignorance around disability leading to negative attitudes towards disabled people; it also includes unrealistic ideals of perfection and ingrained beliefs about bodies, promoting the idea that disability is inherently negative or unwanted. [3]

Contents

History

This concept of internalized ableism has historical roots that can be traced back to societal structures that prioritize able-bodied norms and often marginalize or stigmatize those who do not conform. As societal awareness of disability rights has grown, particularly since the rise of the disability rights movement in the 1970s, there has been increasing recognition of internalized ableism as a significant barrier to the well-being and self-esteem of individuals with disabilities. [4] Research into internalized ableism has been informed by broader theories in psychology and social justice, which emphasize the internalization of societal values by marginalized groups. [4]

Origins

Internalized ableism begins early, with societal perceptions often framing having a disabled child as a tragedy. [5] In a study, participants reported encounters where doctors emphasized impairments over potential, contributing to feelings of vulnerability and exclusion. [5] Despite parental efforts to counter stereotypes, inadequate expectations persisted, hindering the development of disabled children. [5] Intersectional biases compounded these experiences, with factors such as gender and social status exacerbating feelings of otherness. The pervasive tragedy discourse continued to shape participants' sense of self throughout adolescence and adulthood, with some explicitly identifying internalized ableism as a significant barrier to their well-being. [5]

Campbell's framework

Fiona Kumari Campbell, Disability Studies Researcher and Theorist Griffith kumari.jpg
Fiona Kumari Campbell, Disability Studies Researcher and Theorist

Fiona K. Campbell outlines two components of internalized ableism: distancing oneself from the disabled community and the emulation of ableist norms. These "tactics of dispersal" can hinder the formation of a shared identity among disabled individuals, weakening what otherwise could provide a sense of unity, and intensifying feelings of isolation. Emulating ableist norms, or "passing," often serves as a survival mechanism for people with disabilities, but can lead to a denial of one's true identity and reinforce the internalization of ableist attitudes. [6] [1] Campbell's work emphasizes the harm that can emerge when a minority group is forced to adopt an identity that does not resonate with them or their internal values. Another author, Sara Ahmed, echoes Campbell's sentiments, writing that anyone who does not fit within a societal norm, whether due to race, disability, or gender, they are forced to settle within the current culture or defend themselves against criticism by adopting characteristics that are deemed more "normal." [7]

As a form of oppression

Internalized ableism is a form of internalized oppression. [8]  Internalized ableism arises in response to external oppression, where individuals may develop negative feelings towards themselves and others in their group, often attributing blame to themselves. [9] Traditionally, internalized oppression is framed as a static, psychological issue rather than a dynamic issue that is derived from systemic consequences of generations of marginalization. [10] Internalized oppression occurs when individuals in marginalized groups undervalue themselves, perpetuating this mindset through generations and socialization. [11] Internalized oppression in turn leads to normalized exclusion, which is the acceptance or normalization of practices, policies, or behaviors that systematically exclude or marginalize certain individuals or groups within a society. Although internalized oppression is not always conscious, it can deeply affect how people see themselves and others within their group. This can lead to internal conflicts within the group and the perpetuation of microaggressions, which are subtle forms of discrimination.

Examples

Internalized ableism manifests in various ways among disabled individuals, significantly impacting their mental and social well-being. Disabled individuals may subconsciously adopt ableist norms that devalue their disabilities and themselves, leading to self-devaluation where they view themselves and others with disabilities negatively. [8] Social withdrawal is another manifestation, where individuals may isolate themselves from society due to feelings of inadequacy or fear of discrimination, thereby reducing their interactions and support networks crucial for their well-being. Additionally, some individuals may overcompensate by pushing themselves to overcome or hide their disabilities, which can lead to exhaustion, burnout, and physical harm. There is also often a rejection of disability identity, where individuals avoid associating with other disabled people and distance themselves from their disability identity to not be identified with disability. [8]

Impact

Health

Social Determinants of Health Social Determinants of Health Infoviz.jpg
Social Determinants of Health

Internalized ableism can have effects on individuals' mental and physical health. It can lead to self-blame, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and social isolation. [12] Internalized oppression may contribute to negative mental health outcomes such as anxiety, depression, and feelings of inferiority. In a minority stress model constructed by Ilan Meyer, individuals with intersectional identities facing oppression experienced heightened stress from managing both external stigma and internal feelings of inferiority and rejection, which negatively affected their mental health. [13] Research has shown that internalized stigma in mental illness is linked to lower levels of hope, self-esteem, and social support, and higher symptom severity. [14] Similarly, research has found that disabled individuals face oppression in counseling, experiencing biases, stereotyping, and a lack of understanding from counselors, all of which hinder their self-perception. [15] Disabled people may feel pressure to be independent or to conform to societal standards of "normalcy," exacerbating the stigma and challenges they face. The medical establishment's pathologization of disability further entrenches these issues, with the pathology paradigm reinforcing the notion that disabled individuals must aspire to able-bodied standards. Social determinants of health and power dynamics further shape the experiences and identities of disabled young people, as external shame is reinforced and internalized. [8]

Additionally, shame is a significant aspect of internalized ableism, and affects the health and well-being of individuals with disabilities. [16] This feeling of shame arises from feelings of alienation and defeat, influencing behavior and interactions with the world. [17]  Shame is closely associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms, triggered by perceptions of inferior treatment or threats to identity integrity. [18] [19] "Core shame identity," characterized by a pervasive fear of exposure as deficient and flawed, perpetuates feelings of unworthiness and disconnection. [20] This internalization of shame within the personality can exacerbate depression and social withdrawal. [18] Overcoming internalized shame requires acceptance and support from others. [20] Peer acceptance, open sharing of feelings, and nurturing relationships can alleviate shame, fostering emotional well-being and empowerment within the disabled community. Strategies to overcome internalized shame associated with disabilities include participation in peer support groups, seeking therapy, engaging in education and advocacy, practicing self-care, learning assertiveness skills, fostering supportive relationships, and seeking peer mentorship.

Social

The emphasis placed by the dominant culture on ability and "normalcy" contributes to the perpetuation of internalized ableism, as it establishes unrealistic standards that affect both disabled and able-bodied individuals. Disabled individuals who require care or accommodations are often marginalized, reflecting a societal devaluation of their needs and humanity. [21] Resistance to internalized ableism involves recognizing and affirming the inherent worth of disabled individuals, fostering solidarity, and advocating for systemic changes that affirm disability as an aspect of human diversity. [22] [23]   Examples of resisting internalized ableism include embracing one's disability identity, challenging stereotypes through activism and education, advocating for accessibility and accommodations, participating in supportive communities, and promoting dialogue about ableist language and behavior. [8] This resistance involves both individual actions, such as self-care and self-advocacy, and collective efforts to promote equality and inclusion for disabled individuals. Additionally, institutions systematically address internalized ableism by taking action such as promoting accessibility in public spaces, implementing inclusive hiring practices, and supporting legislation that protects the rights of disabled individuals.

Affective solidarity

The concept of "affective solidarity" underscores the transformative potential arising from the dissonance between one's self-perception and societal judgments. [24] This dissonance, encompassing emotions such as anger and shame, can spark a desire for justice and transformation. Despite challenges, including limited opportunities for collective identity among disabled individuals, solidarity within marginalized communities, as described, is a potent force in challenging internalized oppression. [25] The term "disability justice," originating from the Disability Justice Collective, emphasizes this intersectional framework prioritizing the needs of marginalized groups within the disability rights movement. [25] This approach recognizes the significance of care webs and solidarity among disabled and sick individuals, serving as a refuge for healing internalized oppression and ableism. Both individual empowerment and systemic change is important to combat internalized ableism.

Overcoming

Resistance to internalized ableism hinges on access to safer spaces, characterized by solidarity and support. These spaces, often fluid in nature, are deemed "safer" rather than "safe," as they can swiftly become unsafe due to various factors such as access issues, ableism, micro-aggressions, or violence. [5] In a study, participants expressed the relief of letting go of their defensive walls on rare occasions, highlighting the constant vigilance required to navigate ableist encounters. [5]

Family support plays a pivotal role in resisting internalized ableism, with some experiencing empowerment and advocacy from relatives. [5] However, not all families provide such support, as seen in instances of belittlement and ableist aggression. The importance of supportive environments extends beyond the family, as exemplified by positive experiences in summer camps for disabled individuals. [5]

Access to spaces where disabled individuals feel welcomed, understood, and supported is crucial for fostering solidarity and resisting internalized ableism. [5] Peer support and shared experiences contribute to a sense of belonging and empowerment, ultimately countering internalized ableism and facilitating healing. [5]

Criticism and controversies

Protest against victim-blaming in Alberta, Canada Marcha das Vadias.jpg
Protest against victim-blaming in Alberta, Canada

Some critics question the concept's oversimplification of the relationship between individual experiences and societal structures. [8] The idea that internalized ableism solely attributes to negative feelings and beliefs may overlook external factors like discrimination and systemic barriers. Additionally, there's debate on whether internalized ableism adequately represents the diversity of disabled experiences and cultural perspectives. [8] Critics also raise concerns about the effectiveness of addressing internalized ableism through individual-focused approaches. They suggest that efforts should also target systemic inequalities and promote social inclusion rather than solely focusing on changing individual attitudes. Moreover, there's worry that interventions may inadvertently reinforce stereotypes or stigmatize certain disability experiences. Furthermore, there's discussion about unintended consequences, such as potential victim-blaming and overlooking intersections between disability and other forms of oppression like racism or sexism. [8]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Disability</span> Impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions

Disability is the experience of any condition that makes it more difficult for a person to do certain activities or have equitable access within a given society. Disabilities may be cognitive, developmental, intellectual, mental, physical, sensory, or a combination of multiple factors. Disabilities can be present from birth or can be acquired during a person's lifetime. Historically, disabilities have only been recognized based on a narrow set of criteria—however, disabilities are not binary and can be present in unique characteristics depending on the individual. A disability may be readily visible, or invisible in nature.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shame</span> Affect, emotion, cognition, state or condition

Shame is an unpleasant self-conscious emotion often associated with negative self-evaluation; motivation to quit; and feelings of pain, exposure, distrust, powerlessness, and worthlessness.

In social philosophy, objectification is the act of treating a person as an object or a thing. It is part of dehumanization, the act of disavowing the humanity of others. Sexual objectification, the act of treating a person as a mere object of sexual desire, is a subset of objectification, as is self-objectification, the objectification of one's self. In Marxism, the objectification of social relationships is discussed as "reification".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Social model of disability</span> Societal failure to adapt to disabilities

The social model of disability identifies systemic barriers, derogatory attitudes, and social exclusion, which make it difficult or impossible for disabled people to attain their valued functionings. The social model of disability diverges from the dominant medical model of disability, which is a functional analysis of the body as a machine to be fixed in order to conform with normative values. As the medical model of disability carries with it a negative connotation, with negative labels associated with disabled people. The social model of disability seeks to challenge power imbalances within society between differently-abled people and seeks to redefine what disability means as an diverse expression of human life. While physical, sensory, intellectual, or psychological variations may result in individual functional differences, these do not necessarily have to lead to disability unless society fails to take account of and include people intentionally with respect to their individual needs. The origin of the approach can be traced to the 1960s, and the specific term emerged from the United Kingdom in the 1980s.

In social justice theory, internalized oppression is a recognized understanding in which an oppressed group accepts the methods and incorporates the oppressive message of the oppressing group against their own best interest. Rosenwasser (2002) defines it as believing, adopting, accepting, and incorporating the negative beliefs provided by the oppressor as the truth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Labeling theory</span> Labeling people changes their behavior

Labeling theory posits that self-identity and the behavior of individuals may be determined or influenced by the terms used to describe or classify them. It is associated with the concepts of self-fulfilling prophecy and stereotyping. Labeling theory holds that deviance is not inherent in an act, but instead focuses on the tendency of majorities to negatively label minorities or those seen as deviant from standard cultural norms. The theory was prominent during the 1960s and 1970s, and some modified versions of the theory have developed and are still currently popular. Stigma is defined as a powerfully negative label that changes a person's self-concept and social identity.

Disability studies is an academic discipline that examines the meaning, nature, and consequences of disability. Initially, the field focused on the division between "impairment" and "disability", where impairment was an impairment of an individual's mind or body, while disability was considered a social construct. This premise gave rise to two distinct models of disability: the social and medical models of disability. In 1999 the social model was universally accepted as the model preferred by the field. However, in recent years, the division between the social and medical models has been challenged. Additionally, there has been an increased focus on interdisciplinary research. For example, recent investigations suggest using "cross-sectional markers of stratification" may help provide new insights on the non-random distribution of risk factors capable of exacerbating disablement processes. Such risk factors can be acute or chronic stressors, which can increase cumulative risk factors The decline of immune function with age and decrease of inter-personal relationships which can impact cognitive function with age.

Normality is a behavior that can be normal for an individual when it is consistent with the most common behavior for that person. Normal is also used to describe individual behavior that conforms to the most common behavior in society. However, normal behavior is often only recognized in contrast to abnormality. In many cases normality is used to make moral judgements, such that normality is seen as good while abnormality is seen as bad, or conversely normality can be seen as boring and uninteresting. Someone being seen as normal or not normal can have social ramifications, such as being included, excluded or stigmatized by wider society.

Social stigma is the disapproval of, or discrimination against, an individual or group based on perceived characteristics that serve to distinguish them from other members of a society. Social stigmas are commonly related to culture, gender, race, socioeconomic class, age, sexual orientation, sexuality, body image, physical disability, intelligence or lack thereof, and health. Some stigma may be obvious, while others are known as concealable stigmas that must be revealed through disclosure. Stigma can also be against oneself, stemming from negatively viewed personal attributes in a way that can result in a "spoiled identity".

Internalized racism is a form of internalized oppression, defined by sociologist Karen D. Pyke as the "internalization of racial oppression by the racially subordinated." In her study The Psychology of Racism, Robin Nicole Johnson emphasizes that internalized racism involves both "conscious and unconscious acceptance of a racial hierarchy in which whites are consistently ranked above people of color." These definitions encompass a wide range of instances, including, but not limited to, belief in negative stereotypes, adaptations to white cultural standards, and thinking that supports the status quo.

Microaggression is a term used for commonplace verbal, behavioral or environmental slights, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative attitudes toward stigmatized or culturally marginalized groups. The term was coined by Harvard University psychiatrist Chester M. Pierce in 1970 to describe insults and dismissals which he regularly witnessed non-black Americans inflicting on African Americans. By the early 21st century, use of the term was applied to the casual disparagement of any socially marginalized group, including LGBT people, poor people, and disabled people. Psychologist Derald Wing Sue defines microaggressions as "brief, everyday exchanges that send denigrating messages to certain individuals because of their group membership". The persons making the comments may be otherwise well-intentioned and unaware of the potential impact of their words.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sexuality and disability</span>

Sexuality and disability is a topic regarding the sexual behavior and practices of people with disabilities. Like the general population, these individuals exhibit a wide range of sexual desires and adopt diverse methods of expressing their sexuality. It is a widespread concern, however, that many people with disabilities do not receive comprehensive sex education, which could otherwise positively contribute to their sexual lives. This roots from the idea that people with disabilities are asexual in nature and are not sexually active. Although some people with disabilities identify as asexual, generalizing this label to all such individuals is a misconception. Many people with disabilities lack rights and privileges that would enable them to have intimacy and relationships. When it comes to sexuality and disability there is a sexual discourse that surrounds it. The intersection of sexuality and disability is often associated with victimization, abuse, and purity.

Ableism is discrimination and social prejudice against people with physical or mental disabilities. Ableism characterizes people as they are defined by their disabilities and it also classifies disabled people as people who are inferior to non-disabled people. On this basis, people are assigned or denied certain perceived abilities, skills, or character orientations.

Internalized sexism is a form of sexist behavior and attitudes enacted by women toward themselves or other women and girls. Internalized sexism is a form of internalized oppression, which "consists of oppressive practices that continue to make the rounds even when members of the oppressor group are not present." Internalized sexism can have a range of effects on women and girls such as problems with mental health and body image. Modes of internalization of sexism include early childhood inculturation and consumption of media, especially of celebrity and entertainment news.

Sins Invalid is a disability justice-based performance project that focuses on artists with disabilities, artists of color, and LGBTQ / gender-variant artists. Led by disabled people of color, Sins Invalid's performance work explores the themes of sexuality, embodiment and the disabled body. In addition to multidisciplinary performances by people with disabilities, Sins Invalid organizes visual art exhibitions, readings, and a bi-monthly educational video series. Sins Invalid collaborates with other movement-building projects and provides disability justice training.

LGBT psychology is a field of psychology of surrounding the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals, in the particular the diverse range of psychological perspectives and experiences of these individuals. It covers different aspects such as identity development including the coming out process, parenting and family practices and support for LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as issues of prejudice and discrimination involving the LGBT community.

Race-based traumatic stress is the traumatic response to stress following a racial encounter. Robert T. Carter's (2007) theory of race-based traumatic stress implies that there are individuals of color who experience racial discrimination as traumatic, and often generate responses similar to post-traumatic stress. Race-based traumatic stress combines theories of stress, trauma and race-based discrimination to describe a particular response to negative racial encounters.

Disability justice is a social justice movement which focuses on examining disability and ableism as they relate to other forms of oppression and identity such as race, class and gender. It was developed in 2005 by the Disability Justice Collective, a group including Patty Berne, Mia Mingus, Stacey Milbern, Leroy F. Moore Jr., and Eli Clare. In disability justice, disability is not considered to be defined in "white terms, or male terms, or straight terms." The movement also believes that ableism makes other forms of prejudice possible and that systems of oppression are intertwined. The disability justice framework is being applied to a intersectional reexamination of a wide range of disability, human rights, and justice movements.

In disability studies, the term bodymind refers to the intricate and often inseparable relationship between the body and the mind, and how these two units might act as one. Disability scholars use the term bodymind to emphasize the interdependence and inseparability of the body and mind.

Neuroqueer theory is a framework that intersects the fields of neurodiversity and queer theory. It examines the ways society constructs and defines normalcy, particularly concerning gender, sexual orientation, and dis/ability, and challenges those constructions. It critiques the pathologization of neurodivergent individuals and the ways in which this intersects with the marginalization of queer individuals.

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