Advisor
MaryAnne Borrelli
Document Type
Restricted
Publication Date
2025
Abstract
This thesis examines why and how the disability issue network has traditionally been excluded from the legislative process. The integration of the disability issue network into congressional hearings demonstrates larger themes of power and respect in politics and society. Whether through quotes, statements for the record, or testifying as a witness, issue networks influence lawmakers and lawmaking, building and maintaining relationships with Congress Members and other issue networks. This integration of the disability issue network into congressional hearings reveals larger themes of power and respect in politics and society. More specifically, this thesis investigates the absence of disability organizations from hearings relating to disability as a sustainability issue – a connection made in five of the U.S.-ratified Sustainable Development Goals. As the sustainability movement becomes consistently more relevant and influential, its failure to include and consider disability is undermining the movement as a whole. The disability movement is marginalized, the sustainability movement is failing, and democratic representation is being lost.
Recommended Citation
Lavenhagen, Samantha, "When Coalitions Do Not Form: The Disability Movement and the Sustainability Movement in Congressional Hearings" (2025). American Studies Honors Papers. 21.
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/americanstudieshp/21
The views expressed in this paper are solely those of the author.
Comments
This paper is restricted to the Connecticut College campus until June 4, 2026.