Wear and tear: the social production of disablement in construction workers

Abstract

Purpose

This chapter explores the social production of disablement, or disability as a process, and the effect of institutionalized administrative definitions of disability.

Methodology/approach

This research is based on 12 in-depth interviews with male construction workers in the southeastern United States.

Findings

The intersections of age, gender, and class are implicated in the production of occupational disablement. In addition, the power of definition residing with administrative entities plays an important role in how workers come to understand disability and disablement, ultimately affecting their ability to be self-advocates. This study also suggests that current conceptualizations of disability are not adequate for these participants whose experiences of disablement highlight its processual nature.

Implications

“Becoming” disabled, constricted activities outside of those defined by Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) or Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), and activity limitation due to significant pain and discomfort are all issues that should be addressed in disability conceptualization.

Citation

Sorensen, A.M. (2013), "Wear and tear: the social production of disablement in construction workers", Disability and Intersecting Statuses (Research in Social Science and Disability, Vol. 7), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 241-265. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-3547(2013)0000007011