Counterableist Notes on Epistemic Extractivism toward Disabled People and Communities

https://doi.org/10.25058/20112742.n57.05

Diana Vite Hernández
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Abstract:

In this article, I identify epistemologies or politics of knowledge that reproduce detached and careless forms of relationship with the people and communities under study. From a critical and counter-ableist stance, I analyze how interdependence, accessibility, and thinking along with communities are paramount for building knowledge, both scientific-academic and in daily life. Firstly, I address the differential situation in knowledge practices by disabled researchers compared to non-disabled researchers, since disabled researchers are unavoidably seen as objects of study rather than knowledge builders. Secondly, I share some experiences of what I consider to be epistemic extractivism, thus challenging detachment in «approaches» on the levels of politics-government, civil society organizations, journalism and academy. Finally, I reflect upon a dimension of care in the politics of knowledge through other ways of relationship with others in order to avoid extractivist practices.

Keywords: epistemic extractivism, disability, knowledge politics of knowledge, caretaking, relationality, counter-ableism.