Theorising everyday life after acquired brain injury

Abstract

This paper provides a conceptual argument for the sociological analysis of the everyday experiences of disabled people through the example of acquired brain injury (ABI) survivors. Most research concerning ABI has been carried out within a medical framework. This paper adds a new dimension to research concerning ABI, and indeed, to my knowledge, is the first to explore a long-term, interdisciplinary view of both ABI and neurological rehabilitation. This paper sets out how the use of critical sociological theory can provide thorough analyses of disabled people’s experiences that are free from the pre-judgement of traditional discourses.

Keywords:

• Acquired brain injury
• rehabilitation
• sociology
• everyday life
• critical theory

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank the attendees of Headway Devon who have generously provided insight into their lives. The author would also like to thank Professor Carl May and Dr Michelle Myall for their helpful comments on earlier drafts of this article.