Eri Yamashita

Education

Ph.D. in Area Studies, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

M.A. in International Studies, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

Message to Students

GLA is more than just a place to study—it’s a dynamic community where students challenge ideas, explore diverse perspectives, and engage in interdisciplinary learning. Here, you will have the opportunity to examine complex global issues, rethink conventional perspectives, and develop a deeper understanding of culture, history, and society.
My research focuses on Disability Studies, and I encourage students to critically explore diversity and inclusion from a global perspective. If you are looking for an international learning environment where you can broaden your horizons and engage in meaningful discussions, GLA offers the ideal setting. I look forward to welcoming students who are curious, open-minded, and eager to learn."

Courses Taught

• Introduction to Sociology
• Disability Studies

In the Sociology class, students are introduced to the fundamental concepts, theories, and key debates within the field of sociology. The course examines major social structures and processes, including class, inequality, race, gender, sexuality, religion, family, governance, conflict, immigration, and globalization. Students are encouraged to challenge common-sense assumptions and develop a sociological imagination by critically analyzing the relationship between individuals and society.

In the Disability Studies class, students explore disability as a critical global issue, particularly in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This course takes specialized and interdisciplinary approaches, focusing on disability as a social, political, and cultural construct rather than a purely medical issue. Students examine the historical oppression of disabled individuals, the disability rights movement, and key disability studies theories. The course also investigates how disability is defined and experienced differently across cultures, emphasizing intersections with class, race, nationality, and gender. Through interdisciplinary discussions, fieldwork, and case studies, students analyze how disability is represented in policies, media, and everyday life.

Research Interests

Ableism/Biopower/Embodiment/Colonialism /Linguistic Hegemony/Technology and Disability/ Cultural Representation/ Disability Discourses from Global South/ Philippine Area Studies/ Deafness and d/Deaf Culture/

My research lies at the intersection of Disability Studies, Cultural Studies, and Philippine Area Studies. I am currently working on three key areas.
First, I examine how ableism and biopower shape the experiences of Deaf individuals in the Philippines, particularly through economic policies, technological advancements, and the adoption of hearing technologies such as cochlear implants and hearing aids.
Second, I explore Deaf-hearing interactions in everyday life, focusing on family, workplaces, and faith communities, as well as the impact of linguistic hegemony on identity formation.
Third, I investigate transnational Deaf identity formation by analyzing how language and cultural connections, particularly between American and Filipino Sign Languages, influence the experiences of Filipino Deaf migrants. Through this, I aim to contribute to broader discussions on the global mobility of marginalized linguistic communities.

Supervision Information

This seminar provides students with the essential tools to conduct independent research projects on topics broadly related to sociology and disability studies. Students are also encouraged to explore themes that align with their academic interests, such as social justice, human rights, or global perspectives. The course incorporates research workshops to develop methodological foundations, critical analysis of key theoretical texts, presentations of project progress, and peer feedback sessions. An interdisciplinary and comparative approach is emphasized, allowing students the flexibility to define their project's focus and scope. Through this process, students will enhance their research skills, engage in scholarly discussions, and refine their ability to construct well-supported arguments.

Representative
Publications

• Yamashita, E. (2024). Filipino Deaf culture through postcolonial perspectives: Colonisation of the senses and the hegemony of language. In T. Chataika & D. Goodley (Eds.), The Routledge handbook of postcolonial disability studies. Routledge.
• 山下惠理 「deafness論の可能性へ : ろう文化論を聞こえない身体から考える」 『年報カルチュラル・スタディーズ』第3号、173-187頁、2015年
• 山下惠理 「フィリピンにおけるろう文化」 『四分儀 : 地域・文化・位置のための総合雑誌（Quadrante）』第17号、227-233頁、2015年3月
• 山下惠理 「Deafhood With/Out Deafness : 言語と身体の交差する地点」 『四分儀 : 地域・文化・位置のための総合雑誌（Quadrante）』第14号、207-213頁、2012年3月。