Abstract
Heather Ridolfo and Brian Ward investigate the role of identity construction among individuals with mobile impairment. Drawing on a symbolic interactionist framework, the authors highlight several mechanisms of identity construction—arguing that these interrelated concepts are at the foundation of identity formation for impaired individuals. In addressing their research questions, Ridolfo and Ward use a mixed methods approach. Their use of nationally representative data offers essential quantifiable measurements, while in-depth interviews provide deeper insights into the experiences which cannot be captured by quantitative data.
Ridolfo and Ward find three particular types of groups: those who embrace their disability, those who reject it, and those who are in the act of negotiating this identity. Their findings suggest that environmental and social barriers largely shape identity claims among impaired individuals. However, according to the authors, these experiences alone do not influence identity construction. Rather, it is how these barriers are experienced. The role of self-processes, as argued by Ridolfo and Ward, helps to integrate personal experiences into the individual perception of self. By also considering the importance of demographic markers, the authors highlight the significant impact of gender, race, and social class—all of which may have great implications for the experiences of impairment. Myriad factors work together in determining a disabled identity. For Ridolfo and Ward, the relationships between self-processes, barriers, and impairment comprise the foundation of their research model. This allows the authors to create a nuanced vision of the experiences faced by impaired individuals—offering a better understanding of the disabled identity, who chooses to identify with it, and why.