SOC2604
ASSIGNMENT 2 SEMESTER 2 2024
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 27 SEPTEMBER 2024
, SOC2604
Assignment 2 Semester 2 2024
Unique Number:
Due Date: 27 September 2024
Sociology of Families and Social Problems
Title: Theoretical Models of Disability and the Deaf Community as a Marginalized
Identity
Introduction
People with disabilities have historically been marginalized, facing various forms of
discrimination and exclusion. To address and understand these issues, several
theoretical models of disability have been developed over time. These models help
explain the different ways in which society perceives and treats individuals with
disabilities. The deaf community, in particular, presents a unique case study. While
many view deafness as a disability, the deaf community often sees it as a linguistic and
cultural identity. This essay will examine different theoretical models of disability, such
as the medical, social, and cultural models, and discuss how the deaf community fits
into these frameworks. Moreover, it will explore how the deaf community represents a
marginalized identity, emphasizing the role of language, culture, and societal attitudes in
shaping their experiences.
Theoretical Models of Disability
1. The Medical Model
The medical model of disability, perhaps the most traditional framework, focuses on
the individual's impairment or medical condition. Under this model, disability is seen as
something that is “wrong” with the person, and the goal is often to “fix” or “cure” the
individual through medical intervention (Shakespeare, 2013). This approach can be