Disability between friends: A collaborative study of friendship and norms of embodiment

Joy Marie Cypher, Purdue University

Abstract

Inspired initially by the author's interest in embodiment, disability and personal relationships, this project looks to the unique intersection of disability, normalcy and friendship to better understand their mutual enactment. Using collaborative interviews based on feminist and disability scholars' concerns with ethical research relationships, this study actively involved six pairs of friends in the critical reflection of their bodies, their friendships and disability. Two distinct yet contemporaneous “worlds” of disability are seen among the friends: Disability—the Other I am to You and Disability—the Other I am Not. The analysis also provides insight on the subtle relational negotiation of normalcy and embodiment between friends.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Rawlins, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Communication|Families & family life|Personal relationships|Sociology

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