Illusions of Equality
Robert Buchanan
(Author)
Description
From the mid-1850s to the post-World War II era, Deaf Americans typically sought to deemphasize their identity as sign language users to be integrated better into the workforce. But in his absorbing book Illusions of Equality, Robert Buchanan shows that events during this period would thwart these efforts. The residential schools for deaf students in the 19th century stressed the use of American Sign Language while also recognizing the value of learning English. But the success of this system was disrupted by the rise of oralism, with its commitment to teaching deaf children speech and its ban of sign language. Buchanan depicts the consequences in sobering terms: most deaf students left school with limited educations and abilities that qualified them only for marginal jobs. He also describes the Deaf community's male hierarchy insistence through the end of World War II on individual responsibility, tactics that continually failed to earn job security for deaf workers. Illusions of Equality is an original, edifying work that will be appreciated for years to come.
Product Details
Price
$54.95
Publisher
Gallaudet University Press
Publish Date
February 29, 2000
Pages
214
Dimensions
6.42 X 0.93 X 9.36 inches | 1.28 pounds
Language
English
Type
Hardcover
EAN/UPC
9781563680847
BISAC Categories:
Earn by promoting books
Earn money by sharing your favorite books through our Affiliate program.
Become an affiliateAbout the Author
Buchanan is Professor of History and Director of the Individualized Interdisciplinary Degree Program at Goddard College.
Reviews
Illusions of Equality is important for opening up a new line of historical inquiry on a neglected topic.