Social model: a new approach of the disability theme

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Disability Studies
• Sociology

Background:

• Disability is often viewed as personal misfortune, overlooking societal factors.
• The medical model attributes inequality to individual impairments, neglecting social oppression.
• Disabled individuals are frequently marginalized and treated as a distinct minority group.

Purpose of the Study:

• To deepen the understanding of the lived experience of disability.
• To introduce and analyze the social model of disability as an alternative framework.
• To examine how societal structures influence disability and perpetuate inequality.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of disability experiences.
• Exploration of the social model versus the medical model.
• Critical examination of societal barriers and oppression.

Main Results:

• The social model reveals that societal structures, not just impairments, create disability.
• Societal barriers and discrimination contribute significantly to the disadvantages faced by disabled individuals.
• The study highlights the role of social injustice and vulnerability in the lives of excluded groups.

Conclusions:

• Disability is a social construct influenced by societal attitudes and structures.
• Adopting the social model is crucial for addressing inequality and promoting inclusion.
• Challenging social barriers is essential to reduce the vulnerability of marginalized populations.