The inclusion of disability in introductory sociology textbooks

Previous research has concluded that representation of diversity is often l imited in introductory sociology textbooks. One area of diversity that has not been studied in these textbooks is the topic of disability, in this res earch, 25 introductory sociology textbooks, published between 1996 and 1998 , are investigated to determine the portrayal of disability. Using content analysis, the authors examine these books for textual representation of dis ability and pictorial depiction of individuals with disabilities. Results i ndicate that introductory sociology textbooks provide a limited amount of i nformation about disability. From the written material, two major themes ar e identified: disability as a defining social characteristic and disability as a basis for minority group membership. in addition, textbook photograph s present a selective depiction of individuals with disabilities. Suggestio ns for providing a more comprehensive portrayal of individuals with disabil ities are discussed.