Disability hate crimes and austerity: 'The government hates disabled people'

Pages: 248-260

DOI: 10.4324/9781003348733-21

Abstract:

This chapter considers the impact of austerity, and consequently perceptions of welfare 'conditionality' (Manji 2017), on the extent of hate crimes experienced by disabled people. Empirically, it is based upon qualitative interviews and surveys conducted with disabled people in the UK. The research illustrates a narrative of hyperbole and increased hostility towards disabled people as a result of austerity measures, and ultimately to an increase in disablist hate crimes. The targeting of disabled people as scapegoats for the financial crisis was given tacit approval by a government bent on reducing welfare costs and supported by a media narrative of benefit 'scroungers' and 'scum'. Reflecting upon these experiences, this chapter proposes that, in light of the current global economic crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the UK's cost of living crisis, all occurring at the time of writing, disabled people are at significant risk of further scapegoating and stigmatisation.

Source: Scopus