Zygmunt Bauman and Erving Goffman giving advice on how to navigate visible disability and arm amputation [A]

Zygmunt Bauman and Erving Goffman are both renowned social theorists who have contributed significantly to the field of sociology. While they have different theoretical perspectives, both theorists have written about social stigmatization and how individuals are labeled and categorized based on their perceived differences from the norm. Previously, I had written a longer essay with reference to Zygmunt Bauman’s Liquid Modernity [link].

 

Here’s how each might address the societal issues of visible disability such as arm amputation:

  1. Zygmunt Bauman: Bauman’s concept of “liquid modernity” describes a society that is constantly changing and lacks stability. In such a society, individuals with visible disabilities may face greater challenges in being accepted and valued by others. Bauman would likely argue that society needs to be more accepting of difference and to embrace the value of diversity. He might suggest that people with visible disabilities like arm amputation should be seen not as “outsiders” or “others,” but as equal members of society who contribute unique perspectives and experiences.
  2. Erving Goffman: Goffman’s work focuses on the concept of “impression management” and how individuals present themselves to others in order to be accepted and valued. He argued that individuals with visible disabilities may engage in “face work” in order to manage the stigma associated with their condition. Goffman might suggest that people with arm amputation could manage their “impression” by highlighting their strengths and abilities, rather than their disability. For example, they might emphasize their resilience or problem-solving skills, rather than focusing on their missing arm.

In summary, Bauman might emphasize the need for greater societal acceptance and inclusion of people with visible disabilities, while Goffman might suggest that individuals with arm amputation can engage in impression management to mitigate the stigma associated with their condition.

Zygmunt Bauman:

  1. Advocate for policies that promote inclusion and equal access for people with visible disabilities in areas such as education, employment, and public spaces.
  2. Challenge social attitudes and norms that stigmatize people with visible disabilities, by promoting diversity and highlighting the value of different perspectives and experiences.
  3. Promote dialogue and collaboration between people with visible disabilities and others, in order to foster greater understanding and acceptance of difference.
  4. Encourage media representation of people with visible disabilities that accurately and respectfully portrays their experiences and challenges.
  5. Advocate for the provision of resources and support for people with visible disabilities, such as rehabilitation services, counseling, and community programs.
  6. Work to remove physical barriers that limit the mobility and independence of people with visible disabilities, such as inaccessible buildings or transportation.
  7. Foster partnerships and collaborations between businesses, government, and civil society to promote accessibility and inclusion for people with visible disabilities.

Erving Goffman:

  1. Encourage individuals with visible disabilities to develop positive self-concepts and to recognize their own strengths and abilities.
  2. Promote the use of language that emphasizes the abilities and strengths of people with visible disabilities, rather than their limitations or disabilities.
  3. Educate others about visible disabilities and the experiences of people with arm amputations, in order to reduce stigma and increase understanding.
  4. Encourage people with visible disabilities to engage in social activities and to develop strong social networks.
  5. Promote the use of adaptive technologies and devices that help people with arm amputations to perform daily tasks and engage in activities.
  6. Encourage people with arm amputations to participate in physical activities and sports, in order to build strength and increase confidence.
  7. Advocate for the provision of resources and support for people with visible disabilities, such as prosthetic devices, counseling, and rehabilitation services.

Cite this article:
Wolf Schweitzer: swisswuff.ch - Zygmunt Bauman and Erving Goffman giving advice on how to navigate visible disability and arm amputation [A]; published 01/04/2023, 12:50; URL: https://www.swisswuff.ch/tech/?p=12664.

BibTeX 1: @MISC{schweitzer_wolf_1738964557, author = {Wolf Schweitzer}, title = {{swisswuff.ch - Zygmunt Bauman and Erving Goffman giving advice on how to navigate visible disability and arm amputation [A]}}, month = {April}, year = {2023}, url = {https://www.swisswuff.ch/tech/?p=12664}

BibTeX 2: @MISC{schweitzer_wolf_1738964557, author = {Wolf Schweitzer}, title = {{Zygmunt Bauman and Erving Goffman giving advice on how to navigate visible disability and arm amputation [A]}}, howpublished = {Technical Below Elbow Amputee Issues}, month = {April}, year = {2023}, url = {https://www.swisswuff.ch/tech/?p=12664} }