Announcement of doctoral theses

We have agreed to provide within the journal a list of completed theses in the field of Disability Studies. This will be an important resource for readers to follow through as well as provide the names of colleagues who are new entrants to the discipline.

This is an open invitation for theses completed within two years of conferment which fit with the Aims and Scope of Disability & Society.

Please provide the following information:

Name of author

Thesis title

University awarding degree

Degree awarded and year:

A 100 word synopsis of the thesis

Email address

Please forward this information to Helen Oliver, Disability & Society Editorial Office

Email: [email protected]

We will include this call for Doctoral Announcements in forthcoming issues of the journal.

Executive Editors

Name of the author: Elise Jantine van der Mark

Thesis title: Against All Odds: Exploring Wellbeing Transformation with Mothers of Disabled Children from Poor Urban Settlements in Southern Africa

University awarding degree: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Degree awarded and year: PhD, Cum Laude, 2019

This thesis explored the daily realities of women caring for disabled children from poor urban settlements in Southern Africa and identified interventions that ameliorate their wellbeing. A mixed methods research, an extensive literature review, and participatory action research (PAR) revealed how mothers mostly practice solitary care, are overwhelmingly pressured by disability discrimination and poverty, and experience severe physical and psychological distress. Their adaptive strategies, although primarily intended to keep one from harm, cause further wellbeing diminutions. In order for changes to occur through PAR, emphasis must be put on relationality and connection-making herewith establishing spaces of healing and wellbeing.

Email: [email protected]; [email protected]