Provides an overview of the key issues and debates within the field of disability studies. This work presents arguments that can have important political and policy implications for both disabled and non-disabled people. It also covers the history of the development of disability studies in Britain and America.

The topics covered include: the history of the development of disability studies in Britain and America; key ideas, issues and thinkers; the role of the body; divisions and hierarchies; history, power and identity; work, politics and the disabled peoples' movement; globalization, human rights, research and the role of the academy. This book will be an essential textbook for students of disability studies and will be invaluable to scholars, researchers, students, policy makers, professionals, and disabled and non-disabled people interested in human rights and disability.

Contributors. Chapter 1.Introduction: Colin Barnes, Mike Oliver and Len Barton. Chapter 2.American Pragmatism, Sociology and the Development of Disability studies: Gary Albrecht Chapter 3.Disability Theory: Key Ideas, Issues and Thinkers: Carol Thomas
Chapter 4.Disability and the Body: Bill Hughes
Chapter 5.Theorizing Divisions and Hierarchies: Towards Commonality or Diversity: Ayeshea Vernon and John Swain
Chapter 6.History, Power and Identity: Anne Borsay
Chapter 7.Work, Disabled People and European Social Theory: Paul Abberley
Chapter 8.Shooting for the Moon - Disability and Politics at the Millennium: Phil Lee Chapter 9. Academic Debates and Political Advocacy: the US Disability Movement: Harlan Hahn
Chapter 10 Globalisation and Disability: Chris Holden and Peter Beresford. Chapter 11.Disability and Globalising the Concept of Human Rights: Marcia Rioux. Chapter 12 Re-viewing Disability Research: Geof Mercer.
Chapter 13. Disability, the Academy and the Inclusive Society: Colin Barnes, Mike Oliver and Len Barton. Index.