Description:
Disability and chronic illness represents a special kind of cultural diversity, the "other" to "normal" able-bodiedness. Most studies of disability consider disability in North American or European contexts; and studies of diversity in Japan consider ethnic and cultural diversity, but not the differences arising from disability. This book therefore breaks new ground, both for scholars of disability studies and for Japanese studies scholars. It charts the history and nature of disability in Japan, discusses policy and law relating to disability, examines caregiving and accessibility, and explores how disability is viewed in Japan.
Review Quotes:
"The book would make an excellent choice for upper-level undergraduate classes on Japan, both in the areas of anthropology and political science, as well we graduate seminars that focus on international health"
John Traphagan, University of Texas at Austin, Journal of Japanese Studies