A growing trend among young people to embrace disability as a marker of identity is drawing attention and debate. This phenomenon, characterized by individuals adopting labels for conditions, sometimes perceived as self-diagnosed or less severe, is seen by some as a modern extension of identity politics, while others express concern that it could obscure genuine need and strain resources.
A recent viral video featuring Zara Beth, who identifies as a disability advocate and author, highlighted this trend. The clip documented her challenges navigating Manchester Piccadilly train station with a broken lift and a flight of stairs. Beth, who describes herself as 'ambulatory' – meaning she uses a wheelchair on days her condition is more debilitating – later showed herself engaged in activities like gymnastics and roller skating on days she feels more able. She also shared that she has been clinically diagnosed with autism and Tourette syndrome, noting her tics can fluctuate.
While Beth's video garnered millions of views and mixed reactions online, with some praising her for challenging stereotypes and others questioning the nature of her disabilities, it underscores a broader societal shift. This perspective suggests that for Generation Z, those in their teens and 20s who came of age during the pandemic, disability has become intertwined with identity. Similar to how gender identity is now understood as self-declared, medical symptoms and diagnoses are increasingly viewed by some as a matter of personal choice.
This self-labeling trend appears to correlate with rising numbers of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEETs). Data from the Youth Futures Foundation indicates that approximately half of 16-to-24-year-old NEETs report a disability or chronic health condition, such as depression and anxiety. The number of NEETs has increased significantly since 2021.
Concerns have been raised about the potential for individuals to claim spurious disabilities to gain access to welfare benefits. Claimants of disability benefits often face fewer employment expectations and receive greater financial assistance compared to those unemployed. These benefits can include substantial support, such as car provision through the charity Motability for those receiving the highest mobility allowance rates.
Michael Simmons, economics editor at The Spectator, shares a personal perspective, having been born with cerebral palsy. He recalls being called derogatory names by schoolmates and adults who wished for him to see himself as disabled, a sentiment he resisted, desiring instead to be seen as equal. Simmons posits that while the ideal scenario might be for disability to be a mild, unremarkable difference, the current trend of 'performative disability,' amplified by social media, risks overshadowing those with severe, undeniable conditions.
This trend, according to Simmons, can lead to a 'cruel cost to others,' potentially diverting essential support from genuinely ill individuals and creating skepticism among service providers. He suggests that instances like the one involving Zara Beth could lead staff to question the authenticity of future requests for assistance, even when legitimate needs exist. The visibility of 'hidden' disabilities, such as through sunflower lanyards, also prompts questions about eligibility for perks, particularly when self-diagnosed conditions like dyslexia are presented for consideration.