As some you may know, I started this blog as a sort sideline project to my doctoral thesis on the definition of disability in South Africa.
I have written two chapters this year, and have now embarked on the third. I thought this chapter would be a breeze after the last one, since the subject matter is South African legislation and I am, well South Africa.
How wrong could I be?
I think I am only just beginning to realize the enormity of the task I have taken on. Doctoral level thinking is just so entirely different to masters level thinking that I don't quite know whether I'm coming or going with this chapter. What do I put where? DO I really have to write as if my reader knows very little about the subject? Let's be honest - experts are going to grade this thesis. Dare I write as I am explaining things to a first year law student? I am a little stumped. Granted, it's more about stylistic issues than writing issues (I have never, ever had writer's block), but the effect is the same - a downturn in my productivity.
I am probably not the first, nor will I be the last doctoral candidate to have this problem. But it's still hard to try and get over it right now. My mind turns to the possible solutions - carry on writing, even though I may have to redo it at a later stage (but at least I will be increasing the length of the chapter for the moment) or stop working entirely and hope that the problems will have disappeared at their own leisure? Any advice welcomed.
In other news, the issue of awareness of the challenges facing disabled persons has been raising its head more and more in my daily life. Of course, as I have mentioned previously, the most prominent type of disability is physical. Although at this point, overexposure of physical disability may lead to a greater awareness of other disabilities. I think I will be spending some time doing research on this topic, to try and see what can be done in the way of gaining media and civilian attention to the issues of accessibility and reasonable accommodation.
Lofty goals, no? I see a New Year's resolution coming on.
Happy Christmas to all of you, and may you have a joyous New Year.
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