The Social Empowerment of Difference: The Potential Influence of Para sport

Carla Filomena Silva; P David Howe

doi:10.1016/j.pmr.2018.01.009

The Social Empowerment of Difference: The Potential Influence of Para sport

Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2018 May;29(2):397-408. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2018.01.009.

Authors

Carla Filomena Silva¹, P David Howe²

Affiliations

¹ Social Science of Sport, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, UK.
² Social Anthropology of Sport, School of Sport Exercise and Health Science, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3JE, UK. Electronic address: p.d.howe@lboro.ac.uk.

PMID: 29627096
DOI: 10.1016/j.pmr.2018.01.009

Abstract

This article explores the significance of parasport culture in highlighting an emancipatory understanding of difference and enhancing social empowerment. Disability studies are used to illuminate the influence of ableist ideology on people with impairments. Rather than being suppressed, difference should be recognized and valued in parasport practices and ideologies, leading to a pluralist culture, in which farther and wider social emancipation can be grounded. Acceptance of difference is an absolute and essential precondition for parasport cultures to promote positive social change for people with disabilities.

Keywords: Ableism; Difference; Disability studies; Empowerment; Para sport.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Athletes / psychology*
Disabled Persons / psychology*
Humans
Power, Psychological*
Sports / psychology*