Stuttering and the social model

Stuttering has traditionally been thought of as a defect located within an individual. As such, stuttering is caused by pathology, leading to impaired communication and reduced quality of life. Research from this medical tradition has looked to understand the etiology of stuttering to develop curative therapeutic approaches. From this frame, professionals and academics are experts and holders of knowledge; people who stutter the recipients of this expertise. The social model emerged from within the disability rights movement and offers a counter narrative. It sees the way society is structured as disabling rather than physical impairment itself. Disability is experienced when a person is unable to participate fully in society through a mismatch between their body and the environment around them; thus, disability becomes a dynamic process, not an inherent characteristic. The social model highlights society's norms and values, and, in the case of stuttering, demonstrates how society is designed for, and expects, fluent speakers. From this frame, people who stutter are the experts of their experience and holders of knowledge; professionals and academics are their allies, collaborators, and advocates for social change. This theoretical framework poses challenging questions of the foundational theories upon which stuttering therapy is historically rooted. They call into question the hierarchical structures, power dynamics and even purpose of stuttering therapy and research. In this discussion paper, we will explore the social model of disability and its implications for stuttering therapy and research. We discuss the benefits of a social model approach as well as its limitations.