Hi
The School of History and the Centre for Disability Studies are hosting
a history workshop at the University of Leeds on Monday 26 June 2006
entitled 'Revisiting the Institution: Fresh Perspectives on the History
of Physical Disability'. More details below
There are still one or two spaces left for paper presentations in the
final panel session on the role of the institution in the 21st century,
and room for a small number of audience members if people would like to
attend yet do not wish to give a paper.
Please email Meaghan Kowalski or Amanda Bergen -
[log in to unmask]
Re-Visiting the Institution: Fresh Perspectives on the History of
Physical Disability
Monday, June 26th, 2006
Leeds Humanities Research Institute (LHRI), University of Leeds
The role of the institution in disabled people's lives is a subject of
controversy. Some of the roots of contemporary disquiet relate to
practices and attitudes that have a long history, other concerns derive
from the traditional close nexus between institutions and charitable
organizations. Yet historically institutions have occupied a central
position in the lives of many generations of disabled people. Indeed
their longevity suggests that they have proved flexible, adaptable and
of continuing relevance. Many current issues and debates have perplexed
and infatuated reformers and activists for centuries. The seminar will
include papers that examine the institution from the eighteenth century
to the present day. Topics for discussion include, but are by no means
limited to:
* Were institutions guilty of disadvantaging and disempowering
those in their charge or were they advantageous and empowering?
* Were they progressive products of the Enlightenment, or
repressive instruments of social control?
* Did institutions contribute to the segregation and
stigmatization of disabled people or were they an effective means of
combating prejudice and developing a sense of community?
* Is the traditional view of disabled people as powerless with
institutions accurate?
* How did earlier generations perceive the role of the institution
and how successful were they when judged on their own terms?
* What future is there for the institution?
For historians of disability there is no escaping the centrality of
these topics. Yet the institution remains a neglected area of historical
research. Instead, this fascinating field has been dominated by the
sociologist and the antiquarian. As a result, whilst many interesting
insights have emerged, the institution has also been subject to a range
of ahistorical or politically driven perspectives. Come and join us in
revisiting the institution!
Programme of Events
09:00 Register, coffee
09:45 Welcome
10:00 PANEL A: The Birth of the Institution: 18th Century Perspectives
11:00 MORNING COFFEE
11:30 PANEL B: The Triumph of the Institution?: 19th Century
Perspectives
12:30 LUNCH
13:30 PANEL C: Re-evaluating the Institution: 20th Century Perspectives
14:30 AFTERNOON COFFEE
15:00 PANEL D: The End of the Institution?: 21st Century Perspectives
16:00 Closing remarks
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