About the book
The murky history behind municipal laws criminalizing disability
In the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries, municipal laws targeting \"unsightly beggars\" sprang up in cities across America. Seeming to criminalize disability and thus offering a visceral example of discrimination, these “ugly laws” have become a sort of shorthand for oppression in disability studies, law, and the arts.
In this watershed study of the ugly laws, Susan M. Schweik uncovers the murky history behind the laws, situating the varied legislation in its historical context and exploring in detail what the laws meant. Illustrating how the laws join the history of the disabled and the poor, Schweik not only gives the reader a deeper understanding of the ugly laws and the cities where they were generated, she locates the laws at a crucial intersection of evolving and unstable concepts of race, nation, sex, class, and gender. Moreover, she explores the history of resistance to the ordinances, using the often harrowing life stories of those most affected by their passage. Moving to the laws’ more recent history, Schweik analyzes the shifting cultural memory of the ugly laws, examining how they have been used—and misused—by academics, activists, artists, lawyers, and legislators.
Editions of The Ugly Laws
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780814740576
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780814783610
Read an Excerpt
The murky history behind municipal laws criminalizing disability
In the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries, municipal laws targeting \"unsightly beggars\" sprang up in cities across America. Seeming to criminalize disability and thus offering a visceral example of discrimination, these “ugly laws” have become a sort of shorthand for oppression in disability studies, law, and the arts.
In this watershed study of the ugly laws, Susan M. Schweik uncovers the murky history behind the laws, situating the varied legislation in its historical context and exploring in detail what the laws meant. Illustrating how the laws join the history of the disabled and the poor, Schweik not only gives the reader a deeper understanding of the ugly laws and the cities where they were generated, she locates the laws at a crucial intersection of evolving and unstable concepts of race, nation, sex, class, and gender. Moreover, she explores the history of resistance to the ordinances, using the often harrowing life stories of those most affected by their passage. Moving to the laws’ more recent history, Schweik analyzes the shifting cultural memory of the ugly laws, examining how they have been used—and misused—by academics, activists, artists, lawyers, and legislators.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Ugly Laws about?
The murky history behind municipal laws criminalizing disability
In the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries, municipal laws targeting \"unsightly beggars\" sprang up in cities across America. Seeming to criminalize disability and thus offering a visceral example of discrimination, these “ugly laws” have become a sort of shorthand for oppression in disability studies, law, and the arts.
In this watershed study of the ugly laws, Susan M. Schweik uncovers the murky history behind the laws, situating the varied legislation in its historical context and exploring in detail what the laws meant. Illustrating how the laws join the history of the disabled and the poor, Schweik not only gives the reader a deeper understanding of the ugly laws and the cities where they were generated, she locates the laws at a crucial intersection of evolving and unstable concepts of race, nation, sex, class, and gender. Moreover, she explores the history of resistance to the ordinances, using the often harrowing life stories of those most affected by their passage. Moving to the laws’ more recent history, Schweik analyzes the shifting cultural memory of the ugly laws, examining how they have been used—and misused—by academics, activists, artists, lawyers, and legislators.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Ugly Laws?
History and Archaeology > History > History: specific events and topics > Social and cultural history
Where can I read a sample of The Ugly Laws?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780814740576
How long is The Ugly Laws and how many pages does it have?
The Ugly Laws has 443 page(s)
Is The Ugly Laws part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series The History of Disability
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Ugly Laws?
Susan M. Schweik
Who is the Publisher of the book The Ugly Laws?
NYU Press
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Ugly Laws is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780814740576) and paperback(ISBN 9780814783610)
Where can I buy The Ugly Laws online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Ugly Laws from below
Where can I buy The Ugly Laws?