The medical model of disability

The medical model of disability views people with impairments as limited by their physical or mental conditions, which stop them from participating fully in everyday activities. This approach often portrays disabled individuals as needing sympathy and support, framing them primarily as victims of their impairments.

Criticisms of the medical model

Many argue that this perspective patronises disabled people by treating them as objects of pity. It can lead non-disabled individuals to make judgements based solely on the disability, reinforcing stereotypes and overlooking the person's other qualities.

The social model of disability

In contrast to the medical model, the social model of disability argues that society creates barriers that disable people, rather than the impairments themselves being the core issue. This perspective shifts the focus from fixing the individual to changing societal structures and attitudes.

Core principles of the social model

• Impairment versus disability - An impairment is a physical or mental condition, such as limited mobility or a sensory loss. Disability, however, arises from how society responds to that impairment, through exclusionary practices and negative attitudes.
• Social construction of identity - Non-disabled people often fail to see beyond the impairment, assuming it prevents a 'normal' life. This leads to negative labelling, where disabled individuals are stigmatised as a burden or problem in a society dominated by non-disabled norms.

The social model highlights how these attitudes and barriers limit opportunities, encouraging a view of disability as something imposed by society rather than inherent to the person.

Master status and its effects on disabled people

Master status refers to a dominant characteristic, often a deviant or stigmatised one, that overrides other aspects of a person's identity and influences how others treat them. In the context of disability, this concept explains how societal perceptions can overshadow an individual's full identity.

How master status shapes interactions

• Dominance of the disability label - For many disabled people, their impairment becomes the defining feature, or master status, during social encounters. This means they are judged primarily as 'disabled' rather than by other roles, such as being a parent, sibling, or professional.
• Examples of reduced statuses - Personal attributes like intelligence, skills, or personality are often ignored. For instance, someone who uses a wheelchair might be seen only as 'a wheelchair user', not as an articulate and capable individual.
• Self-fulfilling prophecy - Disabled people may internalise these negative labels, leading to reduced self-confidence or expectations. This can result in them behaving in ways that confirm the stereotypes, such as withdrawing from social activities.

By applying the concept of master status, sociologists show how labelling creates a cycle of exclusion, where disabled individuals' other identities are diminished.

Media representations and social barriers

Mass media often play a role in reinforcing negative views of disability, which contribute to broader social barriers. These representations can make interactions awkward and perpetuate discrimination.

Negative media portrayals

• Common stereotypes - Disabled people are frequently shown in negative ways, and media portrayals rarely include positive role models who are successful in their own right.
• Impact on non-disabled attitudes - According to sociologist Ridley, such portrayals make non-disabled people view disability as embarrassing or difficult to handle, leading to avoidance or pity in real-life interactions.

Social barriers faced by disabled people

Sociologist Tom Shakespeare, who is disabled himself, argues that disability is a social construction, meaning it is created by societal attitudes rather than the impairment alone.

Examples of social barriers:

• Prejudices and discrimination - Negative stereotypes lead to barriers like inaccessible buildings, transport, or public spaces designed mainly for non-disabled needs. Although improvements are occurring, such as better access to toilets and ramps, many challenges remain.
• Employment challenges - Employers may hesitate to hire disabled people due to assumptions about productivity or costs, resulting in higher reliance on state benefits and increased poverty rates.
• Hate crimes and bullying - There is evidence of widespread abuse, including physical or verbal attacks, both in care settings and the wider community, often driven by prejudice.

These barriers demonstrate how society disables people, aligning with Shakespeare's view that changing attitudes and structures is key to reducing discrimination.

Changing disabled identities

Recent developments show that disabled people are increasingly challenging traditional views of disability, moving towards more empowered and independent identities. This shift involves resisting labels of dependence and advocating for equality.

Examples of resistance to negative definitions:

• Politicised identities - Many disabled individuals are adopting assertive approaches, campaigning for equal rights and rejecting ideas that emphasise helplessness. This includes participation in disability rights movements that push for societal changes.
• Self-identity construction - As argued by Murugami (2009), disabled people can build identities where their impairment is just one trait among many. They view themselves primarily as individuals, with disability not defining their entire sense of self.