University Presentation Showcase: Undergraduate Division

"Relentless": The Social Identity of Chronic Illness and Disability

Presenter Information

Mary BoujaoudeFollow

Presenter Hometown

Cincinnati, Ohio

Major

Sociology

Department

Anthropology, Sociology, and Social Work

Degree

Undergraduate

Mentor

Stephanie Adams Saulnier

Mentor Department

Anthropology, Sociology, and Social Work

Abstract

Despite the steady growth of rights and acceptance of people from other minority groups, the significance of the issues faced by people with chronic illnesses and disabilities have not enjoyed the same public endorsement. This population has experienced disproportionate disadvantages that have prohibited them from realizing their full potential as active members of society. Much of the scholarship in the area of Disability Studies and research into the social issues faced by people with chronic illnesses and disability is academic in nature, while most advocacy work is non-academic in nature. Relentless is a book of essays that blends personal narrative with research in order to highlight topics such as stereotypes and misconceptions about chronic illness and disability, invisible illness, the mind-body connection, fatphobia, ableism, and accessibility in higher education. The combination of peer-reviewed research, statistics, and personal narrative provides a well-rounded perspective on what it means to have a chronic illness or disability today. Relentless exemplifies the magnitude of the barriers people with chronic illnesses and disabilities experience while also emphasizing their incredible resilience and strength.

Presentation format

Poster

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"Relentless": The Social Identity of Chronic Illness and Disability

Despite the steady growth of rights and acceptance of people from other minority groups, the significance of the issues faced by people with chronic illnesses and disabilities have not enjoyed the same public endorsement. This population has experienced disproportionate disadvantages that have prohibited them from realizing their full potential as active members of society. Much of the scholarship in the area of Disability Studies and research into the social issues faced by people with chronic illnesses and disability is academic in nature, while most advocacy work is non-academic in nature. Relentless is a book of essays that blends personal narrative with research in order to highlight topics such as stereotypes and misconceptions about chronic illness and disability, invisible illness, the mind-body connection, fatphobia, ableism, and accessibility in higher education. The combination of peer-reviewed research, statistics, and personal narrative provides a well-rounded perspective on what it means to have a chronic illness or disability today. Relentless exemplifies the magnitude of the barriers people with chronic illnesses and disabilities experience while also emphasizing their incredible resilience and strength.