Designing out stigma : the role of objects in the construction of disabled people's identity

Bispo, Renato; Branco, Vasco

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.8/171

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Authors

Bispo, Renato

Branco, Vasco

Abstract(s)

It is an unmistakable fact that objects hold an important role in the construction of identity, acting as markers of a certain lifestyle. In this process of symbolic construction, to own a certain object entails more often than not a high social status. However, some objects can also carry with them stigma: owning them brings about a discrediting effect in the construction of the owner`s identity. For people with disabilities the use of objects employed for mitigate their impairment (as a wheelchair or a walking aid) often act as a symbol of stigma and empathize the prejudices to the people who use them.