Medical Model

Definition

The medical model is a framework that views disability primarily as a problem of the individual, often focusing on diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. This model emphasizes the biological and physiological aspects of disability, which can lead to an understanding that positions disabled individuals as needing to be 'fixed' or normalized to fit into societal norms. It contrasts with more social perspectives that see disability as a result of societal barriers and attitudes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The medical model tends to define disability strictly in terms of limitations, often overlooking the impact of social and environmental factors.
2. Critics argue that the medical model can contribute to stigmatization, as it frames disabled individuals as problems that need to be solved rather than as people with rights and identities.
3. In healthcare settings, the medical model can lead to an over-reliance on medical interventions while neglecting the importance of community support and inclusivity.
4. This model is historically linked to institutionalization practices where disabled individuals were often placed in care facilities rather than integrated into society.
5. Advocates for the social model promote a shift away from the medical model, encouraging frameworks that recognize and address systemic inequalities affecting disabled people.

Review Questions

• How does the medical model influence perceptions of disability in society?
  • The medical model influences perceptions of disability by framing it as an individual issue that requires diagnosis and treatment. This view leads many people to believe that disabled individuals are inherently deficient or need fixing, which can perpetuate stigma and misunderstanding. By focusing primarily on biological aspects, this model often ignores societal barriers that contribute to the challenges faced by those with disabilities, affecting how they are viewed and treated in everyday life.
• Discuss the limitations of the medical model when addressing the needs of disabled individuals compared to the social model.
  • The limitations of the medical model lie in its narrow focus on individual pathology rather than considering broader societal influences. While it addresses medical needs, it fails to account for how social attitudes and environmental factors create barriers for disabled individuals. In contrast, the social model promotes an understanding that emphasizes changing societal structures and attitudes, advocating for inclusion and accessibility, thereby addressing root causes rather than merely treating symptoms.
• Evaluate how shifting from a medical model to a social model perspective can impact policy-making for disability rights.
  • Shifting from a medical model to a social model perspective can significantly impact policy-making by prioritizing systemic changes over individualized treatments. Policies inspired by the social model would focus on removing barriers and ensuring accessibility in public spaces, education, and employment for disabled individuals. This shift encourages a more holistic approach to disability rights, recognizing the importance of community engagement and inclusive practices that validate disabled people's experiences and promote their autonomy.

Related terms

Social Model of Disability: A perspective that sees disability as a socially constructed phenomenon, emphasizing that societal barriers and attitudes are the primary contributors to the challenges faced by disabled individuals.

Ableism: Discrimination and social prejudice against people with disabilities, often rooted in the belief that typical abilities are superior and that disabled individuals are less valuable.

Rehabilitation: A process aimed at helping individuals with disabilities achieve maximum independence and functionality through various therapeutic and supportive measures.