Citation

Vickers MH. Disabil. Soc. 2014; 29(9): 1356-1368.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/09687599.2014.940446

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Returning to classics on dirty work and stigma, I offer another perspective on the difficulties that disabled people experience in employment. I claim that disabled workers with multiple sclerosis (MS) feel like 'dirty workers' not because of the work that they do, but because of their MS. Secondary analysis of phenomenological interview data revealed workers with MS feeling physical, social and moral taints normally associated with being a 'dirty worker' - but because of their MS-related impairments and disabilities. Two respondent stories are shared to illustrate this association.