Geography ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 4-5-2024

Abstract

This thesis examines the social construction of the disabled body in recreational wilderness space. A political ecology framework guides the research questions: What are the actual or perceived barriers to participation for differently abled hikers in wilderness recreational spaces, and how do these challenges manifest in long-distance hiking spaces? In situating Foucault’s theories of the body as shaped by power relations, this thesis asserts wilderness spaces to be privileged based on power conceptualized in normative notions of ability. 44 participants who self-identified as wilderness recreationalists with a disability and/or chronic health illness completed this study’s mixed-method questionnaire. Themes around practices, values, motivations, adaptations, and barriers to participation emerged. I used principles of eco corporeality to interrogate access to wilderness spaces as socially constructed fallacies which strategically exclude disabled and chronically ill recreationalists. This thesis finds that disabled hikers subvert the social construction of normative bodies in wilderness, and will challenge health, physical, cultural, and social barriers of participation to negotiate and secure greater access to self-determination and ecological fulfillment.

Degree Name

Geography

Department Name

Geography

Level of Degree

Masters

First Committee Member (Chair)

Marygold Walsh-Dilley

Second Committee Member

Troy Lovata

Third Committee Member

Julia Scherba de Valenzuela

Document Type

Thesis

Language

English

Keywords

disability, eco corporeality, chronic health, barriers, recreation, accessibility

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