SOCIAL VS. MEDICAL MODEL OF DISABILITY

Social vs. Medical Model of Disability



Social vs. Medical Model of Disability

Introduction

Disability is a human reality perceived differently in different historical periods and civilizations. Disability is an individual problem and means that the person is handicapped. In the medical approach, health care is seen as the main point, and the political level the principal response is that policy change or reform health (Thomas, 2004, 569-83). According to Brisenden (2010), the approach which the disabled person is taken by the society is very important. However, it is a fact that people with disabilities are limited in how they can choose their products, whether or not these products are meant to accommodate their disability.

Discussion and Analysis

Societies have evolved to minimize the troubles of the majority of individuals with impairments, but have failed to deal effectively with the problems of a minority of individuals with impairments. In fact, civilization has vigorously suppressed, barred and disempowered this minority. However naturally, the nature and quantity of this minority varies with time. It is really hard to attain a core explanation of the disabled individuals, as it is unclear who considered as disabled or who is not, since various societies deal with the specific group of individuals with impairment in dissimilar manners. Such as, in the medieval era, not being able to read wasn't a dilemma, as social process didn't require literacy: learning problems became prominent and noticeable when an intricate social order necessitated literate personnel and nationals (Shakespeare, 2002, pp. 9-28).

Thus there are various disability models that have been identified over the past years. However, the two most commonly mentioned are the “medical” and “social model” of disability.

Addressing the problem

Priority to address the disabilities may depend on their size and activity of their movements. Thus, in recent decades, the world is constantly increasing in the proportion of people with persistent health problems. Experts note that the movement for the rights of disabled people in Western countries is developed under the scheme of the feminist movement. Therefore, the activity of this movement will only grow, seeking the adoption of anti-discrimination laws and changing social policy in this area especially for people with disabilities (Mckee, 2011, Pp 23-67). The activity of this motion leads on the one hand, the transformation of the strongest identity with disabilities and the formation of their life-affirming position to defend their rights, and on the other it pushes the state to reconstruct the structure of society toward greater equality of rights, leading towards the opportunities and status of persons with disabilities and the redistribution of financial support.

Models of Disability

The medical model and the social model are the most popular ones used by sociologists, psychiatrists, doctors and educators to view and interpret disability. These models each have their pros and cons in their application to real-world events. For most of the 20th century, the medical model of disability the view that the individual has a disability that needs to be corrected was a popular way to ...