Deformography: An Autoethnography of Syndactyly

Authors

  • Danielle Lorenz PhD (Candidate) Department of Educational Policy Studies University of Alberta

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15353/cjds.v9i1.595

Abstract

The author of this paper uses autoethnography to explore some of her experiences being born with the congenital malformation syndactyly, calling the process her deformography. She engages in this process for two reasons: a) to move syndactyly out of the medical literature, and b) as a step in a self-empowering process towards acceptance. In so doing, the paper explores social ideologies of difference that have affected her in her lifetime, with particular focus on Ancient Sparta and Nazi Germany. The paper concludes with the author’s realization that although she understands how difference “works” on a cognitive level, she has more to do on her healing journey.

Author Biography

Danielle Lorenz, PhD (Candidate) Department of Educational Policy Studies University of Alberta

PhD (Candidate) Department of Educational Policy Studies University of Alberta

Published

2020-02-27

How to Cite

Lorenz, D. (2020). Deformography: An Autoethnography of Syndactyly. Canadian Journal of Disability Studies, 9(1), 31–52. https://doi.org/10.15353/cjds.v9i1.595

Issue

Section

Articles