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(Inter)Dependence, Needs and Care

The Potential for Disability and Feminist Theorists to Develop an Emancipatory Model

University of Edinburgh

Linda McKie

Glasgow Caledonian University

Bill Hughes

Glasgow Caledonian University

Debra Hopkins

University of Glasgow

Sue Gregory

University of Edinburgh

In this article we examine the tensions between feminist and disability studies perspectives on care.We argue that an emancipatory model of care is one that must address these tensions. In developing this model we consider the notions of (inter)dependence and need across the lifecourse. Drawing on the work of Fraser (1989), we propose that the notion of ‘needscape’ can be used to construct a ‘discourse bridge’ that will mediate between the disability studies and feminist perspectives on care. Notions of care and caring have been subject to criticism by feminist and disability theorists.There is a presumption by some that care is an activity to which women are naturally suited and this forms a starting point for the claim associated with the feminist view that care is a source of women’s exploitation. For disability activists notions of care are dis-empowering.The person in receipt of care is often assumed to be passive and dependent. This is exemplified in the limited access of disabled people to choices over the nature and form of the social support that they may need.

Key Words: care • disability • feminism • help • (inter)dependence • needs

Sociology, Vol. 38, No. 2, 331-350 (2004)
DOI: 10.1177/0038038504040867


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