Golden Girls,National Heroes and Resilient Champions: An Intersectional and Computational Analysis of Social Media Commentary During the 2024 Paralympics

Abstract

Using intersectionality and critical disability studies, this paper analyzes social media discourse from X and Instagram during the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Qualitative (n = 1,000) and computational quantitative analysis (n = 10,881) of social media comments posted during the Games show that the largest percentage of social media commentators discussing the Paralympics came from India, with users frequently evoking notions of nationalism, neoliberal-ableism, athlete-first accolades, and complex notions of gender identity. Findings demonstrate the contradictions of social media as a platform for social change. On one hand social media commentators portrayed disabled athletes as skilled and accomplished Paralympians and framed them as national heroes bringing pride to their country. On the other hand, they also engaged in neoliberal-ableist narratives characterizing disability as something that should be overcome.