https://doi.org/10.67147/literariness.v1i4.089
Disability as a Metaphorical Tool of Resilience in Malini Chib’s One Little Finger
SWASTIKA MUDULI
PhD Scholar
Sri Sri University, Cuttack
Email: muduliswastika1989@gmail.com
DR MADHUMITA DAS
Assistant Professor
Department of English, FACIS
Sri Sri University, Cuttack
Email: madhumita.d@srisriuniversity.edu.in
Abstract: Life writing has become a strong way for marginalised groups to resist oppression, including women, working-class people, Dalits, black individuals, people from sexual minorities, and disabled people. This paper looks at the life stories of women with disabilities in India. Traditionally, disability has been seen as a problem connected to illness and disease. Specifically, Feminist Disability Studies explores the experiences of women with disabilities, who have been overlooked in both feminist and disability rights movements. This research focuses on Malini Chib’s life writing, One Little Finger, which shares her personal story, especially how her disabled body makes it hard for her to find her place in society. Disability is defined as long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments that can create barriers and prevent full and equal participation in society. Most definitions of disability have viewed impairment as a deficit or abnormality, often linked with gender, race, and other social factors. Women with disabilities face serious challenges like marginalisation, stigma, discrimination, social exclusion, and limited access to public life, compared to men with disabilities and women without disabilities. Disability is often seen as a small, suffering group, and among them, women are the most affected. This paper explores the attitudes of different people towards disability in Indian English texts to understand the psychological and social dynamics that shape the lives of people with disabilities.
Keywords: Disability, Feminism, Life writing, Deformed Body, Identity
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