Agency

Definition

Agency refers to the capacity of individuals to act independently, make their own choices, and influence their own lives. In the context of narratives about disability, it highlights the importance of portraying disabled individuals as active participants in their own stories rather than passive subjects defined solely by their impairments. This concept is essential for understanding how disabled people express their identities and navigate societal perceptions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Agency challenges traditional stereotypes of disability that often portray disabled individuals as helpless or dependent on others for care and decision-making.
2. Narratives that emphasize agency provide a platform for disabled voices to be heard, allowing them to share their experiences and perspectives authentically.
3. Fiction, non-fiction, and poetry that focus on agency often reveal the complexities of navigating societal barriers while asserting one's identity and rights.
4. By emphasizing agency, authors can highlight the resilience and resourcefulness of disabled individuals, showcasing their ability to adapt and thrive in various circumstances.
5. Incorporating agency into disability narratives can lead to greater awareness and understanding among audiences, fostering empathy and challenging prejudiced viewpoints.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of agency reshape the way disability narratives are constructed in literature?
  • The concept of agency reshapes disability narratives by shifting the focus from a victimization perspective to one that emphasizes empowerment and self-determination. This change allows authors to create characters who actively shape their own destinies, challenge societal norms, and express their identities. As a result, narratives become more nuanced and representative of the diverse experiences of disabled individuals, ultimately fostering a deeper understanding among readers.
• In what ways can narratives emphasizing agency impact public perceptions of disabled individuals?
  • Narratives that emphasize agency can significantly impact public perceptions by challenging negative stereotypes associated with disability. When disabled characters are depicted as proactive decision-makers who navigate their challenges with strength and resilience, it helps normalize diverse experiences and promotes a more inclusive understanding of disability. This shift in representation encourages society to view disabled individuals not just through the lens of their impairments but as complex beings with aspirations and capabilities.
• Evaluate the role of authors in promoting agency within disability narratives and its implications for social change.
  • Authors play a crucial role in promoting agency within disability narratives by choosing to highlight the voices, experiences, and choices of disabled individuals. By creating authentic characters who embody agency, authors can challenge systemic barriers and advocate for social change. This representation not only enriches the literary landscape but also encourages readers to confront their biases, fostering a broader cultural shift towards acceptance and support for disabled individuals in society.

Related terms

empowerment: The process of gaining power and confidence in one’s abilities, often associated with marginalized groups taking control of their own narratives.

narrative identity: The internalized and evolving story that a person constructs about themselves, which incorporates their experiences, beliefs, and cultural context.

representation: The depiction of individuals or groups in various forms of media, which can significantly influence societal perceptions and attitudes toward them.