Ableism : the causes and consequences of disability prejudice / Michelle R. Nario-Redmond.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction : defining ableism -- The evolutionary and existential origins of ableism -- Justifying ableism : ideologies and language -- Cultural and impairment-specific stereotypes -- Hostile, ambivalent, and paternalistic attitudes and interactions -- Contending with ableism from internalized ableism to collective action -- Interventions to reduce prejudice -- Social change via collective action and advocacy for disability rights.

"Ableism is the first to integrate the social-scientific literature on the many origins and manifestations of prejudice against disabled people--a group stereotyped as incompetent and dependent--a group that provokes reactions ranging from fear and contempt to pity and inspiration. Synthesizing classic and contemporary studies on the evolutionary, ideological, and cognitive-emotional sources of ableism, this work also examines new manifestations of ableism including sympathetic, envious, exploitive, and still brutal forms of dehumanization while describing the impacts of ableism from personal accounts, along with interventions for social change and increased equality. This book addresses key inquiries including: What does prejudice against disabled people look like? What are the causes of ableism and how is it perpetuated? How do disabled people respond to prejudice, and how do these responses affect well-being? What works to reduce ableism, promote understanding, and increase human rights? And, what should an agenda for future research include?"-- Provided by publisher.