Persons with Mobility Disabilities in Novels of Greek Young Adult Literature

Ilektra Skarpa

(Candidate at University of Murcia, Spain)

Abstract: The objective of this research is the study of the imaging mode of mobility disability in novels of Greek young adult literature. The first part develops the theoretical framework and there is an attempt of a literature review on the research — international and Greek — which examines the imaging mode of heroes with mobility disabilities in young adult literature. The second part presents the findings of the research, the social institutions’ attitude towards people with mobility disabilities, as this is imprinted in the studied novels. This research is of sociological content and in order to determine its characteristics, the qualitative form of Content Analysis is being used. The results of this research reveal the difference in the way modern writers cope with mobility disability. Disability is being depicted free from stereotypes and is approached with greater respect. Family cohesion seems to be directly influenced in all of the studied novels. The social environment is disadvantaged and reluctant to the protagonists. On the contrary, peers maintain a supporting role. The attendance of students with disabilities in school presents several difficulties. Finally, state’s attitude has not been differentiated and continues to be negatively disposed towards people with mobility disabilities.

Key words: mobility disability, social institutions, novel, young adult literature