The study of disability has traditionally been influenced mainly by medical and psychological models. The aim of this new text, Disability and Society, is to open up the debate by introducing alternative perspectives reflecting the increasing sociological interest in this important topic.Disability and Society brings together for the first time some of the most recent original research in this rapidly expanding area. The contributors, both disabled and non-disabled, are all leading thinkers in their field and suggest new ways of understanding disability, developing policy and challenging current practice.

Introduction. Part 1: Theoretical Developments: 1. Sociology and Disability. Setting the context( Len Barton) 2. A Sociology of disability or disabled sociology? ( Mike Oliver).3. Theories of disability and the origins of the oppression of disabled people in western society. (Colin Barnes). 4. Work, Utopia and impairement (Paul Abberley). Part 2: Disability and Education. 5. Theorising special educational needs in a changing political climate (Sheila Riddell). 6. Clauses of conditionality: 'The Reasonable' accommodation of language (Roger Slee) 7. Reflecting on researching disability and higher education (Alan Hurst). Part 3: Disability, Charities, Normalisation and Representation.8. A critique of the role of the traditional charities (Robert Drake).9. Beyond normalisation but not Utopia(Gillian Fulcher). 10. Power and prejudice: issues of gender, sexuality and disability (Tom Shakespeare). 11. The Politics of disability identity (Susan Peters). Part 4: Disability: A Particular Research Method.12. Sounds of still voices: issues of use of narrative methods with people who have learning difficulties (Tim Booth) Index