Isabella Bertmann investigates the connection between disability, poverty, and quality of life, and how social protection measures can influence this relationship. The focus of this study is on South Africa. On the basis of qualitative interviews conducted with individuals affected as well as with local disability and social policy professionals, the author provides enlightening insights into the contemporary discourse on inclusive social protection systems. By combining theoretical considerations on well-being and quality of life (based on the Capability Approach) with her empirical data, she opens new perspectives on the multidimensionality of poverty, social inclusion, and self-determined living.

The Author 

Isabella Bertmann was a member of the Fellow Group "Inclusion and Disability" at the Max Planck Institute for Social Law and Social Policy in Munich. She works at the Sociology of Diversity Chair at the Technical University of Munich.