Resisting homogenization and recognizing power dynamics: an intersectional and decolonial approach to discussing the marginalization of disabled women in ‘low-income’ countries

Abstract

Within the related fields of international development, sociology and social policy, the contention that disabled women in low-income countries (LICs) are the most marginalised demographic is extremely common and widely accepted. This is with good reason, yet the inclusion of intersectional and decolonial approaches within the related literature is surprisingly sparse. Instead, discussions often overgeneralise disabled women as a homogenous group in LICs, failing to recognise other aspects of identity, differing impairments, and therefore different experiences and barriers.  This paper discusses and analyses the nuances behind these discussions, challenging the generalisation of disabled women as a monolith in LICs within the related literature. It also subsequently confronts the questionable use of the term ‘low-income’ itself, as commonly used in the literature and related debates, due to the power dynamics and history behind it.  This paper firstly introduces key context and relevant terminology, before discussing the importance of recognizing other aspects of identity, such as socioeconomic status, citizenship status, and sexuality in addressing the marginalization of disabled women. It also discusses the importance of intersectional and, towards the end of the paper, decolonial approaches when exploring disability, including the contextual history and emergence of countries as low-income. Lastly, considering the above, this paper provides recommendations on how to best address the marginalization of disabled women in low-income countries.