The myth of the perfect body

Ableism as an ideology marginalising people with disabilities in the labour market

Abstract

Ableism is an ideology and a belief system that favours ableness and normality, considers disability as human existence of a lower value and both marginalises people with disabilities and renders them invisible. However, it also represents an analytical tool that will enable the prevailing functioning of this set of standards to become a subject for scientific analysis. In our paper, based on international literature, we present the basis of the concept, and how it appears both in society, especially in the labour market, and at an individual level. We examine research studies that analyse ableism as a tool, besides listing some of the available options for coping. In addition to raising awareness, our aim is to support further theory-making, research, and the formulating of pertinent questions.