Abstract
In this chapter, I reflect on my experiences as an average statured mother to a child with dwarfism, researching within the community. The notion of justice is intrinsically tied into our social constructions of humanity and what it means to be human. As a researcher, I question whether dwarfism could ever be separated from the exploitative historical and cultural portrayals which have plagued and blighted our fight for social justice both inside and outside of the community. In this chapter, I explore intrusive interactions with ‘outsiders’ which reinforce my fears that the Dwarf body is seen as problematic and in need of ‘normalisation’. This chapter is therefore an auto/biographical reflection of my blurred identities as a mother/researcher and my personal pursuit of social justice.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Title of host publication | The Palgrave MacMillan Handbook of Auto/Biography |
Editors | Julie Parsons, Anne Chappell |
Place of Publication | Houndmills |
Publisher | Palgrave Macmillan |
Chapter | 10 |
Pages | 633-656 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 978-3-030-31974-8 |
ISBN (Print) | 978-3-030-31973-1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 29 Apr 2020 |
Keywords
- Dwarfism
- Mothering
- Disabled identities
- Achondroplasia
- BioMarin
- Drug trials