Defining the word ‘disability’ is difficult in modern times: the task of defining ‘disability’ in the context of medieval Europe [and the Middle East] is even more of a challenge. Romy Negrin ’24 is working on compiling a ‘reading list’ on concepts of medieval disability, working to find primary sources that could be used to build a class on the topic in the future.
- Check out the Medieval Disability Presentation for Smith College’s research show, Collaborations, 2021-2022!
- Definitions of Disability: Some Challenges So Far - To start this project, Romy has begun to search through secondary sources on medieval disability in order to find relevant primary sources. In this search she has encountered some interesting arguments from historians. On the more ridiculous end: some argue that ugliness itself is a disability, specifically in women. More complicated: the theory that, in […]