Abstract
How do microaggressions directed at Filipino women with mobility disabilities function as mechanisms of oppression that simultaneously restrict their exercise of fundamental human rights and maintain systems of ableist and sexist hegemonies? We aim to address this question by focusing on the qualitative data obtained from a focus group discussion with 10 women with mobility disabilities from Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc., to elucidate the link between microaggressions and inequalities. Using feminist disability studies and faces of oppression as theoretical lens, we identified two overarching themes: (1) Microaggressions as tools to limit rights enjoyment: demonstrates how microaggressions restrict women with mobility disabilities’ enjoyment of human rights; and (2) Microaggressions as tools to maintain existing inequalities: shows how microaggressions preserve existing hegemonic power structures that privilege able-bodied individuals and patriarchal norms. Building on these findings, we argue that microaggressions are not subtle nor isolated incidents all the time. They vary across certain spaces and times, and their nuances make them implicit tools to maintain ableist and sexist hegemonies. There is a need to problematise microaggressions as actual problems embedded in social structures that have been normalised. Moreover, revealing their complexities and ambiguities is necessary rather than accepting them as “unintended consequences” of social inclusion. We posit the urgency to critically discuss how microaggressions that occur in public and private spaces must be addressed in context-specific manners.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Graduate Inequality Review |
| Volume | 4 |
| Publication status | Published - Sept 2025 |
Bibliographical note
We are immensely grateful to Roselle Leah K. Rivera, PhD, for her unwavering support in our academic journeys. J.E.R.C would like to extend his gratitude to Russel Jude Patiña for his presence and support throughout the research process. C.J.R.A. would like to extend her appreciation to M.S., whose wit and humour have always been a source of inspiration to look forward to.Funding
We would like to thank TWHI and the women with mobility disabilities who shared and trusted their stories with us. We are also deeply grateful to the anonymous reviewer’s constructive feedback and valuable recommendations that enhanced the theoretical rigour and clarity of this research and to the generous funding from a research grant awarded by the University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UP CWGS).
