This is an exciting new introductory textbook for anyone studying disability. As well as providing an excellent overview of the existing literature in the area, the book also develops an understanding of disability that has implications for both sociology and society.Over the last three decades our understanding of disability has changed dramatically. Once perceived as a largely medical problem affecting only a small number of people, it is now regarded as a major social and political issue. Exploring Disability charts both the traditional and contemporary approaches to the area before focusing on the social model of disability. In a series of chapters, the authors then go on to look at the relationship between disabled people and areas such as medical sociology, disability studies, social policy, politics and culture. The book ends with an exploration of the future of theory and research on disability.Exploring Disability will be indispensable for students seeking to understand disability within sociology, disability studies, social policy, politics, cultural studies, and health-related disciplines including medicine.