Page 1 of 6

Chapter 3 - Social Model

In this chapter you will learn about:

  • the differences between the social and medical model of disability.
  • how the models can influence different approaches to supporting individuals.
  • using the social model of disability to inform good, person-centred practice.

Page 2 of 6

Chapter 3 - Social Model

The historical timeline in the previous section gives a clear picture of how society is moving slowly towards accepting disabled people, people with learning disabilities, people with mental health problems and older people as equal citizens and important members of the community. Where people were once incarcerated in hospitals and institutions, they are now being supported to live independent lives in the community. The idea of the 'social model' of disability was a crucial part of this change.


Slide 1 of 2

Social Model

The social model of disability proposes that systematic barriers, negative attitudes and exclusion by society lead to a person being defined by society. Whilst it recognises that some people may have a physical, sensory, intellectual or mental impairment, these do not lead to disability UNLESS society fails to take account of and include people regardless of their individual differences.

A fundamental aspect of the social model concerns equality. Equal rights are said to give empowerment and the 'ability' to make decisions and the opportunity to live life to the fullest.

The approach was originally conceived by disabled people to understand their situation and claim their civil rights.

Slide 2 of 2

Medical Model

The medical model assumes that disability is an individual problem caused by impairment (Lacking part or all of a limb, or having a defective limb, organism or mechanism of the body' (Oliver 1990, p.11)).

The focus is on treating the impairment with the aim of improving or restoring the function that is lost or missing.

The focus is therefore on investing in health care and related resources to research, identify, diagnose, cure, manage, alter and control illness. It does not account for social and environmental influences which contribute to an individual's level of 'disability'.

Page 3 of 6

Chapter 3 - Social Model

The following pages are designed to help you think more about how the social and medical models function and how the models can influence different approaches to supporting individuals.

Slide 1 of 10

Disability is a personal tragedy.

Disability/illness is often described as a tragedy. Oliver (1990) suggests that if disability is represented as a tragedy, disabled people will be perceived as victims of some tragic happening/circumstance and social policies are then developed to compensate for this. If we see disability as a result of social oppression then disabled people will be viewed as collective victims of an uncaring, ignorant society. Social policies would be more likely aimed at rectifying and redressing social injustices.

Slide 2 of 10

Disability is the experience of social oppression.

Social oppression is seen as the primary factor leading to the exclusion of disabled people. Campaigning for equal rights has therefore been central to disability politics.

Slide 3 of 10

Disability is a personal problem.

Illness or disability is the result of a physical condition, is intrinsic to the individual (it is part of that individual's own body).

Slide 4 of 10

Disability is a social problem.

A key concept of the social model is that society disables people. How we organise things in our culture often limits what some of its members can do. In this sense disability is viewed as a social construct.

Slide 5 of 10

It is always important to diagnose all illness and disability.

The medical model views diagnosis as a starting point to dealing with illness and disability. The importance of understanding the cause of someone's illness or disability provides the key to work towards a cure, control or management.

Slide 6 of 10

Expertise is held by the qualified professionals.

Expertise is assumed through qualification, professional experience and research. It is usually evidence based and therefore robust.

Slide 7 of 10

Expertise is the experience of disabled people.

The social model insists that the person with the greatest expertise is the person experiencing the issue. It is up to professionals to listen and respond to their experience not to dominate it.

Slide 8 of 10

The disabled person must adjust.

The medical model's focus is towards cure wherever possible. Where this is not possible resources are targeted at managing and controlling the illness and disability to allow the person to adjust. For example a deaf person may be offered the latest and most technologically advanced hearing aid so they can adjust to a 'hearing world'.

Slide 9 of 10

Individual Adaptations.

The medical model assumes that individuals should be provided with adaptations wherever possible to enable them to reach their potential in society.

Slide 10 of 10

Social Change.

The social model doesn't always see individual policies, adaptations and cure as the primary focus. It recognises disability as a political issue which has to be addressed by the whole of society not just disabled people.

Slide 1 of 4

Example 1 - Kath

Kath can be supported to stay in her own home by looking at where her home environment can be adapted to make it easier and safer for her move about. Kath could also think about where a personal assistant (PA) or support worker could help.

Slide 2 of 4

Example 2 - Rob

Rob has two issues: social and physical disability access. Firstly, Rob could use a personal budget in order to employ a personal assistant so he's in control of when he goes to bed, rather than having to fit in with a service provider's timetable. Secondly, if Rob can't get into the pub because he's using a wheelchair the pub is obliged by law to provide a ramp so all customers, regardless of disability, can access the premises.

Slide 3 of 4

Example 3 - Laura

Laura's disability is about psychological and social barriers. If she finds rush hour travel distressing, her employer can make work more accessible for her by being more flexible about her working hours so she can avoid the crowds. Laura and her employer could also think about options for her to work from home sometimes.

Slide 4 of 4

Example 4 - Manjit

Manjit can be helped to contribute by the charity board meeting his access requirements. This means talking to Manjit about what would make things easier for him and making sure they're in place. This could include providing him with papers in Plain English and with illustrations if he finds them helpful. If Manjit decides he'd be more confident with a supporter, then the board should make sure he has someone of his choice to support him during meetings.

Page 6 of 6

Chapter 3 - Social Model

In these first three chapters you will have learned what personalisation is, where it came from and where it fits in with the development of social care in the past century.

You'll also have learned about the importance of the civil rights movement for people who use social care services and the power of the social model of disability to enable people to see disability differently. With your knowledge of the social model of disability you've been able to work out what support people might need to ensure they can live full, independent lives.