What kind of body is this? Brief reflections on body normativity, ableism, and common sense

Abstract

This article aims to reflect on how body normativity, naturalized by common sense, is revealed in the epistemological construction of ableism. It is anchored in the philosophical framework of science of Rubem Alves. The Social Model of Disability Theory and Crip Theory, which address the idea of ​​body normativity, were also used. A relationship between ableism and vulnerabilities is evidenced through the "pathologization" of bodies and the charitable conceptions that emerge from the establishment of certain social standards related to bodies. It can be stated that the epistemological construction of ableism, at a scientific level, is not based on the common sense of people with disabilities, but rather on the hegemonic common sense of society, which hinders a non-stereotypical and non-"pathologizing" view of the individual. Although debates on ableism are gaining ground in scientific discussions, these debates are still little known in common sense, which hinders the production of critical reflections on their social consequences. Therefore, giving voice to people with disabilities, to ensure their social participation, emerges as one of the main anti-ableist strategies, promoting the deconstruction of stereotypes and the appreciation of body diversity.