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Problematizing 'productive citizenship' within rehabilitation services: insights from three studies
Joanna K Fadyl1, Gail Teachman2, Yani Hamdani3,4
1Centre for Person Centred Research, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.
Disability and Rehabilitation
|March 5, 2019
Summary
Rehabilitation services often use a narrow definition of productive citizenship, which can marginalize people with disabilities. Advocating for broader interpretations within rehabilitation can drive social change and promote inclusivity.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Science
- Disability Studies
- Sociology of Health
Background:
- Dominant societal discourse emphasizes 'productive citizenship,' often defined narrowly.
- Critiques suggest these definitions exclude individuals with disabilities, leading to marginalization.
- Rehabilitation services aim for enablement and social participation, necessitating an examination of their role in defining citizenship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine how 'productive citizenship' is understood and applied within rehabilitation services.
- To identify the marginalizing effects of narrow interpretations of productive citizenship in rehabilitation.
- To explore how rehabilitation services can foster broader understandings of productive citizenship.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of examples from three research studies conducted in two countries.
- Presentation of case examples as vignettes to illustrate key concepts.
- Qualitative reflection on individual, community, and societal levels of marginalization.
Main Results:
- Narrow definitions of productive citizenship in rehabilitation services lead to unintended marginalization.
- Restrictive interpretations are embedded in both policy and practice within rehabilitation.
- This influences the definition of legitimate rehabilitation and support, limiting options for individuals.
Conclusions:
- Rehabilitation services currently employ a restrictive definition of productive citizenship.
- This narrow view marginalizes individuals and limits their opportunities for a 'good life'.
- Rehabilitation settings offer a critical opportunity to advocate for broader, more inclusive definitions of productive citizenship and drive social change.