Theoretical developments

Abstract

Critical disability studies scholars have generated an exciting body of empirical literature and a range of theoretical perspectives for examining the intersections of disabilities and sexualities. With increasing attention being given to intersectionality, rich theoretical dialogues between disability studies and other emancipatory theories, including queer and feminist theories, have also emerged. These theoretical perspectives have informed and transformed each other, sharing similar goals in terms of questioning “normalcy,” as well as compulsory heterosexuality and able-bodiedness/able-mindedness. Crip theorists have articulated the importance of moving beyond assimilation and acceptance, and toward radically changing dominant understandings of disability and sexuality. This chapter considers the major works and implications of crip theory and suggests directions for its further development. We demonstrate how this theoretical approach is uniquely positioned to contribute to both critical disability and sexualities studies. On one hand, crip theory provides theoretical tools that disability studies scholars can use to understand how disabled people experience and negotiate their intimate lives. On the other hand, it suggests disability studies insights that can contribute to theoretical perspectives in sexualities studies. We contextualise this discussion in relation to the sexualities of people labelled/with intellectual disabilities: a disability label that appears to complicate questions of sexualities. (queer theory, crip theory, critical disability studies, people labelled/with intellectual disabilities)

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