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Ableism and Employment: A Scoping Review of the Literature

Author

Listed:
  • Ramona H. Sharma

    (Canadian Institute for Inclusion and Citizenship, School of Social Work, The University of British Columbia (Okanagan), Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada)

  • Renée Asselin

    (Canadian Institute for Inclusion and Citizenship, School of Social Work, The University of British Columbia (Okanagan), Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada)

  • Timothy Stainton

    (Canadian Institute for Inclusion and Citizenship, School of Social Work, The University of British Columbia (Okanagan), Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada)

  • Rachelle Hole

    (Canadian Institute for Inclusion and Citizenship, School of Social Work, The University of British Columbia (Okanagan), Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada)

Abstract

Background: Ableism obstructs employment equity for disabled individuals. However, research lacks a comprehensive understanding of how ableism multidimensionally manifests across job types, disability types, stages of employment, and intersecting identities. Objectives: This scoping review examines how ableism affects disabled workers and jobseekers, as well as its impacts on employment outcomes, variations across disabilities and identities, and the best practices for addressing these. Eligibility Criteria: The included articles were 109 peer-reviewed empirical studies conducted in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, Norway, and Finland between 2018 and 2023. Sources of Evidence: Using terms related to disability, ableism, and employment, the databases searched included Sociology Collection, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Web of Science, SCOPUS, Education Source, Academic Search Complete, and ERIC. Charting Methods: Data were extracted in tabular form and analyzed through thematic narrative synthesis to identify study characteristics, ableist barriers within employment, intersectional factors, and best practices. Results: Ableism negatively impacts employment outcomes through barriers within the work environment, challenges in disclosing disabilities, insufficient accommodations, and workplace discrimination. Intersectional factors intensify inequities, particularly for BIPOC, women, and those with invisible disabilities. Conclusions: Systemic, intersectional strategies are needed to address ableism, improve policies, and foster inclusive workplace practices.

Suggested Citation

  • Ramona H. Sharma & Renée Asselin & Timothy Stainton & Rachelle Hole, 2025. "Ableism and Employment: A Scoping Review of the Literature," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-26, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:14:y:2025:i:2:p:67-:d:1579207
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Olivia Phoeby Narenthiran & Jose Torero & Michael Woodrow, 2022. "Inclusive Design of Workspaces: Mixed Methods Approach to Understanding Users," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-29, March.
    2. Patrick Button, 2018. "Expanding Employment Discrimination Protections for Individuals with Disabilities: Evidence from California," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 71(2), pages 365-393, March.
    3. Mason Ameri & Lisa Schur & Meera Adya & F. Scott Bentley & Patrick McKay & Douglas Kruse, 2018. "The Disability Employment Puzzle: A Field Experiment on Employer Hiring Behavior," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 71(2), pages 329-364, March.
    4. Kim Hoque & Nick Bacon, 2022. "Working from home and disabled people's employment outcomes," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 60(1), pages 32-56, March.
    5. Kelsi CarolanMSW & Ernest GonzalesPhD, MSSW & Kathy LeePhD, MSW & Robert A HarootyanMS, MA & Deborah CarrPhD, 2020. "Institutional and Individual Factors Affecting Health and Employment for Low-Income Women With Chronic Health Conditions," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 75(5), pages 1062-1071.
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