* What is the relevance of feminist ideas for understanding women's experiences of disability? * How can the social model of disability be developed theoretically? * What are the key differences between Disability Studies and medical sociology? In answer to these questions this book explores and develops ideas about disability engaging with important debates in disability studies about what disability is and how to theorize it. It also examines the interface between disability studies women's studies and medical sociology and offers an accessible review of contemporary debates and theoretical approaches. The title Female Forms reflects two things about the book: first its use of disabled women's experiences as told by themselves to bring a number of themes to life and second the author's belief in the importance of feminist ideas and debates for disability studies. The social model of disability is the book's bedrock but the author both challenges and contributes to social modelist thought. She advances a materialist feminist perspective on disability producing a book which is of multi-disciplinary relevance. Female Forms will be useful to the growing number of students on Disability Studies courses as well as those interested in women's studies medical sociology and social policy. It will also appeal to those studying or working in the health and social care professions such as nursing social work occupational therapy and physiotherapy. Language: English