The first monograph on the construction and treatment of disability across Britain and its Empire from 1800 to 1914.

Disability and Society: Ideological and Historical Dimensions explores the changing relationship between disability and society in Western culture from early modern times to the present, with a particular emphasis on Ireland. The author identifies the main ideologies and practices that have shaped the relationship between disability and society, describes how these emerged over time and discusses their continuing impact on social, political and cultural life today. Rather than interpreting disability in medical or clinical terms, the author places disability in a broad historical and socio-political framework and links changing responses to disability with other important social, political and cultural movements. As well as being a valuable addition to the field of disability studies, Disability and Society is also essential reading for students of the social sciences, psychology, education, equality and health studies, and for policy makers.

This collection explores the relationship between new equality regimes and continued societal inequalities, exploring change, ambivalence and resistance specifically in relation to compulsory and post-compulsory education, seeking to more fully situate the educational journeys and experiences of staff and students.