Ableism and Employment: A Scoping Review of the Literature

Ramona H. Sharma (), Renée Asselin, Timothy Stainton and Rachelle Hole
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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

Social Sciences, 2025, vol. 14, issue 2, 1-26

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.

Keywords: ableism; employment equity; disability discrimination; workplace inclusion; intersectionality; disability disclosure; workplace accommodations; scoping review; Global North (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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