Distant, but not so Much: Proximity to the Concept of Disability in Vygotsky Defectology and in the Social Model of Disability

Abstract

The present essay, carried out through a literary review process, presents the main concepts related to the disability category designed by the literature named “social model of disability” and by Vygotsky’s Defectology. It aims, considering the importance that the aforementioned theoretical currents play today in the field of social studies, to highlight points of encounter and differentiation between both literatures, which, although apparently incommunicable, deal with congruent issues raised from the same methodological foundation: the historical materialism. After highlighting a series of arguments and reasons in common, the text concludes by stating that the temporal distance that separates the forging of the two literatures did not prevent them from viewing the fight against oppression experienced by people with disabilities as part of the intended solution for intended solution for building a more accessible world, therefore, better, fairer and supportive.