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The social model of disability: dichotomy between impairment and disability
Dimitris Anastasiou1, James M Kauffman
1Department of Educational Psychology, Southern Illinois University, 625 Wham Drive, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA. anastasiou@siu.edu
The Journal of Medicine and Philosophy
|July 17, 2013
Summary
The social model of disability oversimplifies challenges by focusing only on social oppression, neglecting biological and mental factors. Recognizing both social and biological aspects of disability offers the most comprehensive understanding and support for disabled individuals.
Area of Science:
- Disability Studies
- Social Sciences
- Medical Sociology
Background:
- The social model of disability is a prominent framework.
- This model distinguishes between impairment and disability.
- It emphasizes social oppression as the primary cause of disability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the rhetoric of the social model of disability.
- To critique the fundamental claims of the social model.
- To discuss the consequences of neglecting biological and mental aspects of disability.
Main Methods:
- Rhetorical analysis of the social model's arguments.
- Critical examination of the impairment-disability distinction.
- Discussion of the implications of the social model's limitations.
Main Results:
- The social model reduces disability to social oppression.
- Biological and mental conditions are downplayed by proponents.
- Denying these realities has negative consequences for disabled people.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of disability requires acknowledging both social and biological dimensions.
- Integrating biological and social factors offers greater benefit to disabled individuals.
- Critiquing the social model highlights the need for a more holistic approach to disability.
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