The independent living movement and capitalism : challenges and contributions

Abstract

This article critically discusses how the Independent Living Movement (ILM) both reflects and challenges capitalism, especially its contemporary neoliberal variant. We first take a brief historical look at disability. Since time immemorial, physical and intellectual impairments have been viewed negatively, and these views - together with structural barriers – have served to disable people with impairments. The Enlightenment heralded social reform, yet the emerging scientific tradition medicalised and marginalised disabled persons who came to be seen as tragic and dependent. This was true of capitalist and state socialist societies, as both saw disabled persons as less productive and often in need of institutional care. Excluding disabled persons is not, therefore, solely a function of capitalism. Indeed, it was in capitalist societies that the Disabled People’s Movement freely and successfully mobilised after the 2nd World War. This Movement developed the social model which, unlike the medical model, explains disability in terms of societal barriers which need to be removed. The spread of neoliberal philosophy from the late 20th century has had a paradoxical impact. On the one hand, its notions of choice, control and autonomy have provided a further impetus to independent living aspirations; on the other hand, austerity, welfare conditionality and a narrative of self-reliance have undermined effective independent living services. We argue in favour of a relational, interdependent view of autonomy, and for the political choices necessary to stamp out discrimination, ensure labour market integration and support the independent living aspirations of disabled persons.