Edited Note to text: Rawls’ theory of justice relies on cooperation between citizens who are assumed to be free, equal, and capable of full participation in society. This reminds me of when we learned about the history of the social contract in my Social Political Philosophy class last fall. The history of how the social contract is set definitely does not display inclusion for people with disabilities. For example: Rawls model involves mutual advantage, which depends on the assumption that individuals are roughly equal in their capacities. This reliance on cooperation limits the theory's applicability to people with significant impairments, who may not meet the "normal" criteria for cooperation in Rawls' framework.

Edited Note to self: Children and adults with mental impairments are citizens, and any decent society must provide for their needs, such as care, education, self-respect, activity, and friendship. However, social contract theories often overlook them by envisioning citizens as "fully cooperating members of society" and emphasizing idealized rationality, which pushes the needs of individuals with mental impairments to the background. In my life experiences dealing with mental health has been at times isolating. Moreover, receiving care while talking about feels stigmatized.

Justice in this context demands acknowledging the equal citizenship of individuals who are profoundly dependent, such as those with severe physical and mental impairments. It also entails providing proper support to their caregivers. Justice requires safeguarding their dignity, ensuring their participation in society, and addressing their deep dependency as a matter of justice, not charity.

Care work for dependents, particularly when performed by women, is frequently undervalued and unpaid. A just society should acknowledge care as legitimate work that merits both financial compensation and human support, while also offering caregivers opportunities for social and political engagement. Viewing care work as a political right highlights the need to address gender justice and the unequal burden of care that falls disproportionately on women.

Social contract theorists typically assume that citizens are "fully cooperating" individuals with normal intellectual and physical capacities. This assumption excludes people with disabilities because their participation in society may not fit within the narrow conception of mutual advantage or productivity that these theories often rely on.

Fair treatment of individuals with disabilities involves establishing social structures that accommodate their unique needs. This goes beyond basic custodial care, ensuring they have opportunities to thrive, engage in society, and cultivate their capacity for love and joy.