Recognising inequality

Ableism in Egyptological approaches to disability and bodily differences

Bibliographic Data

ID3919556
AuthorsHannelore Vogel (0000-0001-6655-1604, Macquarie University, corresponding author), Ronika Power (0000-0002-1092-8131, Macquarie University)
Year2022
Volume54
Issue4
Pages502-515
Publication date2022-08-08
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueWorld Archaeology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0043-8243 • E-ISSN: 1470-1375
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/00438243.2023.2170911
OpenAlexW4322770781
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited33

This paper employs a historiographical approach to review the allied fields of Egyptology and Egyptian Archaeology in relation to studies of disability and bodily differences in ancient Egypt. We incorporate critical disability studies and embodiment theories to consider whether ableism is prevalent across these disciplines. The focus of this study has been inverted from 'identifying' disability. Instead our primary driving question is: are Egyptological approaches to bodily differences and disabilities contributing to a production and maintenance of ableism in Egyptology? Here we first identify ableist narratives within numerous methodologies highlighting the need to reconsider existing approaches, terminologies, models, and assumptions regarding studies of disability in the ancient past. We then challenge readers to recognise ableism as a form of inequality in the existing scholarship, and in turn, call for better awareness of assumptions relating to bodily norms, terminologies, and inclusivity in ancient world studies

Ableism · Epistemology · Inequality · Sociology · Gender Studies · History · Mathematics · Philosophy · Urban and Rural Development Challenges

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