Deconstructing the Resilience Concept Using an Ableism Lens: Implications for People with Diverse Abilities

Abstract

The following paper explores existing conceptualizations of resilience (namely, the ecological approach and the constructionist approach) as they apply to ability-diverse people. The concept of ableism (hegemonic ability preferences which inaugurate the norm) is presented and is demonstrated to be of utility as an analytical lens. Findings suggest an ecological approach to resilience is problematic for the advancement of disabled people"™s rights. Specifically, the presence of ableist assumptions and language demonstrate a continued need for critical examination of an ecological understanding of resilience and its capacity to incorporate ability-diversity. We suggest that a feminist ethics of care contributes to a less oppressive understanding of resilience amongst people with diverse abilities. Findings are highly anticipated to address existing literature gaps, and to be of importance to policymakers, researchers, and ability-diverse populations.