Against Technoableism: Rethinking Who Needs Improvement (A Norton Short) - Book reviews of Against Technoableism: Rethinking Who Needs Improvement (A Norton Short)

'Against Technoableism: Rethinking Who Needs Improvement (A Norton Short)' book reviews

Review for'Against Technoableism: Rethinking Who Needs Improvement (A Norton Short)'

In "Against Technoableism: Rethinking Who Needs Improvement (A Norton Short)," author Ashley Shew takes readers on an enlightening and provocative journey into the often-overlooked intersection of technology and disability. With a critical yet empathetic lens, Shew challenges the pervasive notion that technological advancements inherently lead to the improvement of disabled lives, urging us to reconsider what 'improvement' truly means and who gets to define it.

Shew begins by contextualizing the term 'technoableism,' a concept that merges technology with ableism, the discrimination in favor of able-bodied individuals. The book meticulously dissects how contemporary technological innovations, while often heralded as groundbreaking, can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and assumptions about disability. For instance, rather than empowering disabled individuals, certain technologies can reinforce the notion that their bodies and minds need fixing or enhancing to meet normative standards of ability.

The author’s analysis is richly supported by a blend of personal anecdotes, case studies, and rigorous academic research. Shew's narrative is both accessible and profound, making complex theoretical concepts digestible for a broad audience without sacrificing depth. Her own lived experiences as a disabled person add authenticity and urgency to her arguments, making the book not just an academic critique but a personal manifesto as well.

One of the book's most compelling aspects is its challenge to the binary notion of 'abled' versus 'disabled.' Shew advocates for a more nuanced understanding of ability that recognizes the diverse ways people navigate the world. She calls for a shift from a deficit model of disability, which focuses on what individuals lack, to a social model that emphasizes environmental and societal barriers. This perspective encourages readers to see disability not as a personal tragedy needing technological intervention, but as a natural variation of human experience that deserves respect and accommodation.

Moreover, Shew critiques the capitalist motivations behind many technological innovations, arguing that the profit-driven nature of tech companies often leads to solutions that prioritize marketability over actual usability and accessibility. She highlights instances where technologies, despite being well-intentioned, fail to address the real needs of disabled users, thereby exacerbating existing inequalities. This critique extends to the broader societal obsession with 'optimization' and 'enhancement,' challenging us to question who actually benefits from these so-called improvements.

The book is not without its moments of hope and inspiration. Shew showcases examples of inclusive design and grassroots innovations driven by disabled communities themselves. These stories serve as powerful reminders that meaningful technological advancements are those that are guided by the lived experiences and insights of the people they aim to serve. Shew’s call for a more inclusive and participatory approach to technological development is both a critique and a roadmap for a more equitable future.

In conclusion, "Against Technoableism: Rethinking Who Needs Improvement" is a thought-provoking and essential read for anyone interested in the ethics of technology, disability studies, or social justice. Ashley Shew’s incisive critique challenges us to rethink our assumptions about improvement and urges us to envision a world where technology serves to uplift rather than marginalize. This book is a timely reminder that true progress lies not in the relentless pursuit of enhancement but in the creation of a more inclusive and empathetic society.

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