Introduction: Public opinion about disability and its place in society has long been reflected in media portrayals of disabled people. While perspectives have gradually shifted from the medical model to the more socially oriented social model, dominant narratives in media still include the super-crip, disability as tragedy, and disability as inspiration. The rise of social media has enabled individuals to share their experiences and educate the public, but this exposure also brings external pressures and restrictions. Media therefore play a dual role; they can reinforce existing stereotypes or provide opportunities to reshape social perceptions of disability. Purpose: The aim of this thesis is to analyse how characters with physical disabilities are portrayed in mass media and how they function within the fictional worlds they inhabit. Special attention is given to the representativeness of these portrayals in comparison with the lived experiences of disabled people. The thesis also examines to what extent contemporary popular culture reproduces ableist narratives and where space opens for more inclusive and authentic representations. Methods: The descriptive method was applied, based on a review of professional and scientific literature retrieved from bibliographic databases. Results: Analysis reveals a broad spectrum of portrayals. Some works reflect the social model of disability, challenging stereotypes and showing disability as part of human diversity. Others still rely on established patterns such as the super-crip, tragedy, or inspiration, reinforcing misleading conceptions. Accurate representation depends not only on the realistic depiction of disability and mobility aids but also on the narrative context and purpose, which can lend credibility even to less realistic portrayals. Narrative frameworks and genre conventions are crucial in shaping the meaning conveyed. Discussion and conclusion: Popular culture continues to draw heavily on ableist narratives, sustaining stereotypical views of disability. Yet there is a growing body of alternative stories that portray disability as a multifaceted and complex experience. These are often created by disabled people themselves, out of a need for more authentic representation of their lives. Popular culture thus plays a key role in shifting perspectives, from images of deficiency and limitation to acceptance of disability as an equal and valuable part of human diversity.
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