Overview on what a social construct is, explanation of the medical model of disability, social model of disability, how disability can be viewed as a social construct including references
Unit 12: Supporting individuals with additional needs.
Explain how disability can be viewed as a social construct.
What is meant by the term ‘social construct’?
Social constructs reflect shared ideas and perceptions which only exist
because people in society or a group accept that they do. It is an idea that
has been created and accepted by the people in society.
Give an explanation of the medical model of disability.
The medical model looks at what is ‘wrong’ with a person rather than what
that person may need. It creates low expectations and ends up with people
losing independence, choice and control in their lives. For example, a disabled
person does not have step-free access to a building however it would be the
disabled persons impairment causing the issue not them. Negative outlook
on disabled people and that the problem is the disabled person and their
impairment. Medical model ignores the spectrum of issues related to living
with disability and individuals with disabilities are seen as tragic.
Give an explanation of the social model of disability.
The social model helps to recognise the barriers which make life harder for
disabled individuals. Removing those barriers will create equality as well as
offer disabled individuals more independence, choice as well as control. The
model says that people are disabled by barriers in society rather than their
impairment of difference. These barriers can be physical such as buildings
without disabled toilets, however they can also be caused by people’s
attitudes towards difference. For example, assuming a disabled person
wouldn’t be able to do something just because they are disabled like
assuming they can’t live independently or work or even have children.
Explain how disability can be viewed as a social construct
Disability can be viewed as a social construct as it can be seen differently by
different people depending on what model they agree with. Some people
may see disability as someone who cannot do anything by themselves due to
their impairment and that they have something wrong with them. Other
people may see a disability as something we should help with as much as we
can as it is not their fault. For example, creating ramps and removing
physical barriers to allow people with disabilities to access a lot more places.
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