Dependency and Disability

Abstract

Against the pervasive stigmatization of dependency, this chapter argues that dependence on others is crucial aspect of human life. In the realm of care, dependency can engender particular forms of relationality and closeness. While acknowledging the harms of imposed dependency on disabled people, Kittay insists that protecting disabled people’s demands for independence ought to go hand in hand with a refusal to stigmatize those disabled persons who cannot benefit from such claims. To this end, the chapter develops a normative concept of care, denoted as CARE, that respects the genuine needs and legitimate wants (the “cares”) of both those receiving and giving care. This care ethics attends to the needs and desires of people with disabilities while honoring the personhood and dignity of all involved in the relationships and work of care. Furthermore, it affirms that the rights of many individuals are realized only through caring work.