Ableisms Impact on Body and Identity in Indra Sinhas Animals People

Title

Ableisms Impact on Body and Identity in Indra Sinhas Animals People

Creator

Job, Mary T.; Thomas, Christine Ann; Prakasha, G.S.

Description

This study explores the link between ableism and identity formation through the discourse analysis of Indra Sinhas Animals People (2007). Set against the backdrop of a post-industrial disaster, the Bhopal gas tragedy in an Indian metropolis, the novel provides a powerful narrative about the marginalised. By analysing the social perceptions and structures that define ability, normalcy, and physical beauty, the study investigates how societal norms and cultural attitudes frame the protagonists experiences of exclusion and identity crisis. The study further investigates how the novel critiques the broader social and cultural dimensions of ableism in post-colonial contexts, revealing the intersection of power, disability, and identity in the social fabric of Asian societies. Social constructionist perspectives provide a framework for comprehending the social construction of disability, stigma, othering of disabled bodies, and cultural norms of beauty, normalcy, ability, and identity. Subjective and objective realities are discussed around the character, Animal. The study findings reveal the profound personal consequence of ableism on the self-image, body image, and self-perception of individuals with disabilities, the dehumanisation, marginalisation, and ultimately, an identity crisis of disabled individuals. 2025 International Islamic University Malaysia. All rights reserved.

Source

Asiatic;Volume;19;Issue;1;pp.129-144

Date

01-01-2025

Publisher

International Islamic University Malaysia

Subject

Ableism and disability; ableness and normalcy; body image; dehumanisation; identity crisis; othering; self-image; social construction

Coverage

Job M.T., Christ University, Central Campus, Bangalore, India; Thomas C.A., Department of English and Cultural Studies, Christ University, Central Campus, Bangalore, India; Prakasha G.S., School of Education, Christ University, Bangalore, India

Rights

All Open Access; Hybrid Gold Open Access

Relation

ISSN: 19853106;

Format

online

Language

English

Type

Article

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.31436/asiatic.v19i1.3649

https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105008004985?origin=resultslist