Recognising inequality: ableism in Egyptological approaches to disability and bodily differences

This paper employs a historiographical approach to review the allied fields of Egyptology and Egyptian Archaeology in relation to studies of disability and bodily differences in ancient Egypt. We incorporate critical disability studies and embodiment theories to consider whether ableism is prevalent across these disciplines. The focus of this study has been inverted from 'identifying' disability. Instead our primary driving question is: are Egyptological approaches to bodily differences and disabilities contributing to a production and maintenance of ableism in Egyptology? Here we first identify ableist narratives within numerous methodologies highlighting the need to reconsider existing approaches, terminologies, models, and assumptions regarding studies of disability in the ancient past. We then challenge readers to recognise ableism as a form of inequality in the existing scholarship, and in turn, call for better awareness of assumptions relating to bodily norms, terminologies, and inclusivity in ancient world studies.

Automated summary

This paper uses a historiographical approach to evaluate the fields of Egyptology and Egyptian Archaeology in relation to disability and bodily differences in ancient Egypt. By incorporating critical disability studies and embodiment theories, the study evaluates if ableism is prevalent in these disciplines. The study challenges existing approaches, terminologies, models, and assumptions regarding disability studies in ancient Egypt, and calls for better awareness of bodily norms, terminologies, and inclusivity in ancient world studies.