Michael L. Perlin
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195393231
- eISBN:
- 9780199914548
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195393231.003.0015
- Subject:
- Psychology, Forensic Psychology
The most significant development in the relationship between international human rights law and mental disability law has been the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with ...
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The most significant development in the relationship between international human rights law and mental disability law has been the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The CRPD furthers the human rights approach to disability and recognizes the right of people with disabilities to equality in most aspects of life. It provides a framework for ensuring that mental health laws fully recognize the rights of those with mental illness. It categorically affirms the social model of disability, reconceptualizes mental health rights as disability rights, and extends existing human rights to take into account the specific rights experiences of persons with disabilities. Scholars characterize the Convention as a “moral compass” for social change, reflecting a “paradigm shift” in the way we think about and treat persons with disabilities, and a “beacon for an international consensus on justice and disability,” ushering in a “new era in human rights protection,” bringing “hope to the vulnerable,” and arguing that it illustrates “profound shifts both in the conception of human rights and the implementation of human rights in public policy domains.” This chapter discusses the most important provisions of the Convention. It looks at scholarly literature evaluating the impact that the CRPD might have locally as well as the still-meager case law that considers the CRPD. It briefly looks at some of the criticisms of the Convention, and concludes with some thoughts as to the most likely “pressure point areas” in which future developments will suggest the Convention’s ultimate impact on the population in question.Less
The most significant development in the relationship between international human rights law and mental disability law has been the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The CRPD furthers the human rights approach to disability and recognizes the right of people with disabilities to equality in most aspects of life. It provides a framework for ensuring that mental health laws fully recognize the rights of those with mental illness. It categorically affirms the social model of disability, reconceptualizes mental health rights as disability rights, and extends existing human rights to take into account the specific rights experiences of persons with disabilities. Scholars characterize the Convention as a “moral compass” for social change, reflecting a “paradigm shift” in the way we think about and treat persons with disabilities, and a “beacon for an international consensus on justice and disability,” ushering in a “new era in human rights protection,” bringing “hope to the vulnerable,” and arguing that it illustrates “profound shifts both in the conception of human rights and the implementation of human rights in public policy domains.” This chapter discusses the most important provisions of the Convention. It looks at scholarly literature evaluating the impact that the CRPD might have locally as well as the still-meager case law that considers the CRPD. It briefly looks at some of the criticisms of the Convention, and concludes with some thoughts as to the most likely “pressure point areas” in which future developments will suggest the Convention’s ultimate impact on the population in question.
Steven R. Smith
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847426079
- eISBN:
- 9781447302209
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847426079.003.0005
- Subject:
- Sociology, Social Stratification, Inequality, and Mobility
This chapter argues that the medical and social models of disability, while establishing clearly located poles for understanding differing interpretations of disablement, allow for a range of ...
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This chapter argues that the medical and social models of disability, while establishing clearly located poles for understanding differing interpretations of disablement, allow for a range of interpretations between these two extremes. In this light, the chapter outlines these several and competing interpretations, to elucidate the different types of claims made by the disability rights movement (DRM) as related to equality and diversity explored in the previous chapters. In this chapter, it is argued that values associated with the condition of being impaired are subsequently conflicting and incommensurable. The central claim is that this lack of comparability is derived from the absence of a singular monistic ideal that measures the worth of these lives. Nevertheless, as explored in this chapter, both the aspects of medical and social models do promote a singular structure to be pursued by all, notably the value of independence considered as an ‘ideal state’ for both disabled and non-disabled people. The main contention is that this elevated ideal of independence based on misplaced essentialist understandings of the human condition, fixes human identity to objectified states of being understood as ‘normal’ and ‘best’, thereby excluding other valuable forms of life than might also be maintained and promoted, and characterised as ‘dependent’ or ‘interdependent’. Finally, this chapter develops arguments on incommensurability or incomparability of lives led, by exploring the positive role pain and suffering can play in a person's life. It argues that while it might be reasonable to want a pain-free happy life, it is also reasonable not to want a painless life either, given that the other values are often legitimately pursued and that they are incommensurate with a happy and a pain-free life.Less
This chapter argues that the medical and social models of disability, while establishing clearly located poles for understanding differing interpretations of disablement, allow for a range of interpretations between these two extremes. In this light, the chapter outlines these several and competing interpretations, to elucidate the different types of claims made by the disability rights movement (DRM) as related to equality and diversity explored in the previous chapters. In this chapter, it is argued that values associated with the condition of being impaired are subsequently conflicting and incommensurable. The central claim is that this lack of comparability is derived from the absence of a singular monistic ideal that measures the worth of these lives. Nevertheless, as explored in this chapter, both the aspects of medical and social models do promote a singular structure to be pursued by all, notably the value of independence considered as an ‘ideal state’ for both disabled and non-disabled people. The main contention is that this elevated ideal of independence based on misplaced essentialist understandings of the human condition, fixes human identity to objectified states of being understood as ‘normal’ and ‘best’, thereby excluding other valuable forms of life than might also be maintained and promoted, and characterised as ‘dependent’ or ‘interdependent’. Finally, this chapter develops arguments on incommensurability or incomparability of lives led, by exploring the positive role pain and suffering can play in a person's life. It argues that while it might be reasonable to want a pain-free happy life, it is also reasonable not to want a painless life either, given that the other values are often legitimately pursued and that they are incommensurate with a happy and a pain-free life.
Guy Kahane and Julian Savulescu
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- May 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780199234509
- eISBN:
- 9780191809804
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:osobl/9780199234509.003.0002
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
This chapter defines disability as a stable personal trait that tends to diminish a person's wellbeing relative to some given context. This definition goes beyond the social model or the medical ...
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This chapter defines disability as a stable personal trait that tends to diminish a person's wellbeing relative to some given context. This definition goes beyond the social model or the medical model of disability. Such models resolve the range of moral and political problems for which a satisfactory disability theory is required. Kahane and Savulescu propose instead a conception of disability closely tied to wellbeing. They see disabilities as traits that tend to decrease a person's wellbeing relative to certain circumstances. They claim three advantages for adopting this view. First, disability is context dependent. A disabling trait might not be a negative factor if the person's wellbeing is not actually reduced by it. Second, their view is inclusive — implying that we all have disabilities of various sorts. And finally, their approach offers an explanation why disabling traits should be corrected, for our lives might be worse if we don't.Less
This chapter defines disability as a stable personal trait that tends to diminish a person's wellbeing relative to some given context. This definition goes beyond the social model or the medical model of disability. Such models resolve the range of moral and political problems for which a satisfactory disability theory is required. Kahane and Savulescu propose instead a conception of disability closely tied to wellbeing. They see disabilities as traits that tend to decrease a person's wellbeing relative to certain circumstances. They claim three advantages for adopting this view. First, disability is context dependent. A disabling trait might not be a negative factor if the person's wellbeing is not actually reduced by it. Second, their view is inclusive — implying that we all have disabilities of various sorts. And finally, their approach offers an explanation why disabling traits should be corrected, for our lives might be worse if we don't.
Jeffrey J. Martin
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780190638054
- eISBN:
- 9780190638078
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190638054.003.0003
- Subject:
- Psychology, Social Psychology, Health Psychology
The purpose of this chapter is to describe the different models of disability to help sport and exercise psychology researchers understand the various philosophical and psychological perspectives ...
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The purpose of this chapter is to describe the different models of disability to help sport and exercise psychology researchers understand the various philosophical and psychological perspectives embedded in each model. First examined is the medical model and how it frames disability as a personal flaw and a medical condition that needs fixing. The social model follows, which suggests that while people might have an impairment it is the physical and social environment that causes disability. The third model discussed is the social-relational model, which acknowledges that people’s physical impairment, the built environment, and other people’s attitudes can all influence the experience of disability. In the tragedy model, people have the cultural viewpoint that having an impairment is tragic, that people with disabilities have a poor quality of life and should be pitied. Finally, the affirmation model repudiates the tragedy model and suggests that having a disability, while challenging, is often embraced and can result in benefits. The strengths and weaknesses of all models are discussed and examples of disability sport psychology research are used to illustrate the models.Less
The purpose of this chapter is to describe the different models of disability to help sport and exercise psychology researchers understand the various philosophical and psychological perspectives embedded in each model. First examined is the medical model and how it frames disability as a personal flaw and a medical condition that needs fixing. The social model follows, which suggests that while people might have an impairment it is the physical and social environment that causes disability. The third model discussed is the social-relational model, which acknowledges that people’s physical impairment, the built environment, and other people’s attitudes can all influence the experience of disability. In the tragedy model, people have the cultural viewpoint that having an impairment is tragic, that people with disabilities have a poor quality of life and should be pitied. Finally, the affirmation model repudiates the tragedy model and suggests that having a disability, while challenging, is often embraced and can result in benefits. The strengths and weaknesses of all models are discussed and examples of disability sport psychology research are used to illustrate the models.
Helen Spandler and David Webb
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- January 2016
- ISBN:
- 9781447314578
- eISBN:
- 9781447314608
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447314578.003.0012
- Subject:
- Sociology, Politics, Social Movements and Social Change
This chapter is a transcript of an interview with David Webb, the author of Thinking about Suicide, who completed what is thought to be the world’s first PhD on suicide by a suicide survivor. The ...
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This chapter is a transcript of an interview with David Webb, the author of Thinking about Suicide, who completed what is thought to be the world’s first PhD on suicide by a suicide survivor. The chapter explores David’s support for the inclusion of mental distress within the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It considers the value of the social model for people experiencing suicidal feelings, and as a potential antidote to the increasing medicalisation of suicide. The chapter includes a discussion of the contested nature of impairment in mental health and of the relationship between disability and discrimination. It argues for the development of a social model of madness which is based upon, not separate from, the Social Model of Disability.Less
This chapter is a transcript of an interview with David Webb, the author of Thinking about Suicide, who completed what is thought to be the world’s first PhD on suicide by a suicide survivor. The chapter explores David’s support for the inclusion of mental distress within the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It considers the value of the social model for people experiencing suicidal feelings, and as a potential antidote to the increasing medicalisation of suicide. The chapter includes a discussion of the contested nature of impairment in mental health and of the relationship between disability and discrimination. It argues for the development of a social model of madness which is based upon, not separate from, the Social Model of Disability.
Steven R. Smith
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847426079
- eISBN:
- 9781447302209
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847426079.003.0006
- Subject:
- Sociology, Social Stratification, Inequality, and Mobility
This chapter explores equality, identity, disability and other related themes, and argues that, consistent with social work codes of ethics and mainstream social policy objectives, the disability ...
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This chapter explores equality, identity, disability and other related themes, and argues that, consistent with social work codes of ethics and mainstream social policy objectives, the disability rights movement (DRM) promotes universal values of equal rights and individual autonomy, drawing heavily from Kantian philosophy. However, an anti-universalised Nietzschean perspective is also promoted via the social model of disability, challenging the political orthodoxy of rights-based social movements, and the aspirations of social workers to empower disabled people. In this chapter it is argued that the Kantian and Nietzchean strands within the DRM are also incommensurable, but again, when held in tension, permit a radical assertion of disability identity, without conceding to the uncriticality of value relativism and postmodern particularism, but allowing a thorough ‘celebration of difference’ by establishing and promoting reciprocal and interdependent social relations with others who are radically different.Less
This chapter explores equality, identity, disability and other related themes, and argues that, consistent with social work codes of ethics and mainstream social policy objectives, the disability rights movement (DRM) promotes universal values of equal rights and individual autonomy, drawing heavily from Kantian philosophy. However, an anti-universalised Nietzschean perspective is also promoted via the social model of disability, challenging the political orthodoxy of rights-based social movements, and the aspirations of social workers to empower disabled people. In this chapter it is argued that the Kantian and Nietzchean strands within the DRM are also incommensurable, but again, when held in tension, permit a radical assertion of disability identity, without conceding to the uncriticality of value relativism and postmodern particularism, but allowing a thorough ‘celebration of difference’ by establishing and promoting reciprocal and interdependent social relations with others who are radically different.
Misa Kayama and Wendy Haight
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- April 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780199970827
- eISBN:
- 9780199369904
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199970827.003.0001
- Subject:
- Social Work, Children and Families
Japanese educators recently created a new disability category, “developmental disabilities” to refer to relatively mild cognitive and behavioral disabilities, such as learning disabilities, ADHD, and ...
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Japanese educators recently created a new disability category, “developmental disabilities” to refer to relatively mild cognitive and behavioral disabilities, such as learning disabilities, ADHD, and high functioning autism. Children with “developmental disabilities” experience unique needs and struggles due to the relatively invisible nature of their disabilities. In many respects, they appear to be typically developing children, and their difficulties can be misinterpreted as resulting from laziness, disobedience, or disrespect. Until 2007 when new educational policies were implemented, Japanese children with “developmental disabilities” were recognized as “slow learners” or “difficult” and educated in general education classrooms without specialized support, in part out of concern for consequent stigma. The chapter approaches the issue of disability in Japan through a sociocultural model of disability. This chapter describes how Japanese people understand disability in relation to Japanese concepts of self and traditional educational and socialization beliefs and practices.Less
Japanese educators recently created a new disability category, “developmental disabilities” to refer to relatively mild cognitive and behavioral disabilities, such as learning disabilities, ADHD, and high functioning autism. Children with “developmental disabilities” experience unique needs and struggles due to the relatively invisible nature of their disabilities. In many respects, they appear to be typically developing children, and their difficulties can be misinterpreted as resulting from laziness, disobedience, or disrespect. Until 2007 when new educational policies were implemented, Japanese children with “developmental disabilities” were recognized as “slow learners” or “difficult” and educated in general education classrooms without specialized support, in part out of concern for consequent stigma. The chapter approaches the issue of disability in Japan through a sociocultural model of disability. This chapter describes how Japanese people understand disability in relation to Japanese concepts of self and traditional educational and socialization beliefs and practices.
Jo Aldridge
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- September 2015
- ISBN:
- 9781447305644
- eISBN:
- 9781447311003
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447305644.003.0004
- Subject:
- Sociology, Social Research and Statistics
Ensuring that people with learning difficulties are included in research studies in ways that enhance their participation, as well as their emancipation, are important and necessary goals for ...
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Ensuring that people with learning difficulties are included in research studies in ways that enhance their participation, as well as their emancipation, are important and necessary goals for researchers who work with them and for people with learning difficulties themselves as self-advocates in research. Drawing on relevant epistemological and methodological debates and evidence from research studies that use different, more creative methods with people with learning difficulties, this chapter examines the benefits (and challenges) of using participatory methods within and outside learning difficulty research. The chapter focuses on specific examples of participatory research studies that use visual methods and PhotoVoice as part of multi-method projects. The ethical challenges involved in using these kinds of methods and working collaboratively with people with learning difficulties in participatory research are also considered.Less
Ensuring that people with learning difficulties are included in research studies in ways that enhance their participation, as well as their emancipation, are important and necessary goals for researchers who work with them and for people with learning difficulties themselves as self-advocates in research. Drawing on relevant epistemological and methodological debates and evidence from research studies that use different, more creative methods with people with learning difficulties, this chapter examines the benefits (and challenges) of using participatory methods within and outside learning difficulty research. The chapter focuses on specific examples of participatory research studies that use visual methods and PhotoVoice as part of multi-method projects. The ethical challenges involved in using these kinds of methods and working collaboratively with people with learning difficulties in participatory research are also considered.
William J Penson
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- January 2016
- ISBN:
- 9781447314578
- eISBN:
- 9781447314608
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447314578.003.0005
- Subject:
- Sociology, Politics, Social Movements and Social Change
This chapter explores the problems facing the use of the social model of disability in relation to mental distress. Impairment is a key component of both medical and social models, but in the mental ...
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This chapter explores the problems facing the use of the social model of disability in relation to mental distress. Impairment is a key component of both medical and social models, but in the mental health field, underlying impairment has yet to be identified. It follows that both the impairment and imposition of barriers, discrimination etc are socially constructed, raising the possibility of a 'double' social model wherein notions of impairment are actually predicated on socially (un)valued differences. While the social model is historically linked to activism, accepting impairment exists in states of distress may be a concession to the medical model.Less
This chapter explores the problems facing the use of the social model of disability in relation to mental distress. Impairment is a key component of both medical and social models, but in the mental health field, underlying impairment has yet to be identified. It follows that both the impairment and imposition of barriers, discrimination etc are socially constructed, raising the possibility of a 'double' social model wherein notions of impairment are actually predicated on socially (un)valued differences. While the social model is historically linked to activism, accepting impairment exists in states of distress may be a concession to the medical model.
Michael Ashley Stein, Janet E. Lord, and Dorothy Weiss Tolchin
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780199744206
- eISBN:
- 9780190267551
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:osobl/9780199744206.003.0020
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
This chapter examines the issue of access to health care from a global perspective by focusing on the mandates of the 2006 United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD). ...
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This chapter examines the issue of access to health care from a global perspective by focusing on the mandates of the 2006 United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD). The social model of disability underlies the CRPD’s mandate that States ensure equal access to health care for persons with disabilities as integral to achieving their human rights, including rehabilitation services, regardless of whether individuals have incurable biological impairments. Thus, disability no longer can be regarded as a reason for reducing eligibility for scarce health care resources. The chapter also demonstrates the implications of the CRPD for HIV infection/AIDS programming and for the practice of clinical medicine.Less
This chapter examines the issue of access to health care from a global perspective by focusing on the mandates of the 2006 United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD). The social model of disability underlies the CRPD’s mandate that States ensure equal access to health care for persons with disabilities as integral to achieving their human rights, including rehabilitation services, regardless of whether individuals have incurable biological impairments. Thus, disability no longer can be regarded as a reason for reducing eligibility for scarce health care resources. The chapter also demonstrates the implications of the CRPD for HIV infection/AIDS programming and for the practice of clinical medicine.
Anne Plumb
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- January 2016
- ISBN:
- 9781447314578
- eISBN:
- 9781447314608
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447314578.003.0014
- Subject:
- Sociology, Politics, Social Movements and Social Change
This chapter focuses on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), and questions whether mental health service-users and survivors are best served by becoming ...
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This chapter focuses on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), and questions whether mental health service-users and survivors are best served by becoming subsumed within a broader disability movement. It considers some limitations of the social model of disability and identifies some aspects of mental health service users’ and survivors’ experience which set them apart from people with physical impairments/disabilities and yet are central to the CRPD: issues relating to autonomy (self-determination) and responsibility. The author draws on her own experience as a long standing ally of the disabled people's movement and an activist in the survivor movement in the UK, s well as her specific ‘extra/non-ordinary experiences’ (what psychiatry calls religious psychosis), depression and suicidality. The chapter concludes that mental health service users and survivors need their own Convention of Rights, complementary to the UNCRPD.Less
This chapter focuses on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), and questions whether mental health service-users and survivors are best served by becoming subsumed within a broader disability movement. It considers some limitations of the social model of disability and identifies some aspects of mental health service users’ and survivors’ experience which set them apart from people with physical impairments/disabilities and yet are central to the CRPD: issues relating to autonomy (self-determination) and responsibility. The author draws on her own experience as a long standing ally of the disabled people's movement and an activist in the survivor movement in the UK, s well as her specific ‘extra/non-ordinary experiences’ (what psychiatry calls religious psychosis), depression and suicidality. The chapter concludes that mental health service users and survivors need their own Convention of Rights, complementary to the UNCRPD.
Linda Barclay
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- November 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780198754855
- eISBN:
- 9780191816352
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198754855.003.0005
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
It may appear that there are grounds for an alliance between opponents of enhancement and disability advocates. People from both camps condemn parents who aspire to improve the physical and ...
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It may appear that there are grounds for an alliance between opponents of enhancement and disability advocates. People from both camps condemn parents who aspire to improve the physical and psychological traits their children would otherwise be born with, a condemnation often expressed as an accusation of eugenics. Despite these superficial appearances, the author will argue that disability advocates have nothing to applaud in Michael Sandel’s critique of enhancement, which is based on false and sometimes pernicious claims about the value of ‘normal’ human beings. However, they will also argue that disability advocates fail to provide convincing reasons for condemning parental decisions to avoid or eliminate certain traits their children would otherwise be born with. Contrary to what disability advocates and opponents of enhancement suggest, it is often a violation rather than an instantiation of parental virtue to abandon judgements about whether one’s children’s biological givens should be changed.Less
It may appear that there are grounds for an alliance between opponents of enhancement and disability advocates. People from both camps condemn parents who aspire to improve the physical and psychological traits their children would otherwise be born with, a condemnation often expressed as an accusation of eugenics. Despite these superficial appearances, the author will argue that disability advocates have nothing to applaud in Michael Sandel’s critique of enhancement, which is based on false and sometimes pernicious claims about the value of ‘normal’ human beings. However, they will also argue that disability advocates fail to provide convincing reasons for condemning parental decisions to avoid or eliminate certain traits their children would otherwise be born with. Contrary to what disability advocates and opponents of enhancement suggest, it is often a violation rather than an instantiation of parental virtue to abandon judgements about whether one’s children’s biological givens should be changed.
Jerry Tew
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- January 2016
- ISBN:
- 9781447314578
- eISBN:
- 9781447314608
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447314578.003.0006
- Subject:
- Sociology, Politics, Social Movements and Social Change
The field of mental health has its own history of activism, out of which alternative approaches to mental distress have emerged. However, these ideas have yet to coalesce into a way of thinking that ...
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The field of mental health has its own history of activism, out of which alternative approaches to mental distress have emerged. However, these ideas have yet to coalesce into a way of thinking that has had the impact of the social model of disability. This chapter draws on some alternative approaches to recovery in relation to experiences such as self harm and hearing voices to explore what a socially situated model of mental distress might look like. The chapter concludes that we need to move beyond both the social model of disability and recovery perspectives to specifically reconceptualise experiences of mental distress as complex interpersonal responses to oppressive life experiences.Less
The field of mental health has its own history of activism, out of which alternative approaches to mental distress have emerged. However, these ideas have yet to coalesce into a way of thinking that has had the impact of the social model of disability. This chapter draws on some alternative approaches to recovery in relation to experiences such as self harm and hearing voices to explore what a socially situated model of mental distress might look like. The chapter concludes that we need to move beyond both the social model of disability and recovery perspectives to specifically reconceptualise experiences of mental distress as complex interpersonal responses to oppressive life experiences.
Donna Reeve
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- January 2016
- ISBN:
- 9781447314578
- eISBN:
- 9781447314608
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447314578.003.0008
- Subject:
- Sociology, Politics, Social Movements and Social Change
The traditional social model of disability focuses on the public, structural barriers faced by disabled people and has been criticised as having little relevance for those people experiencing mental ...
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The traditional social model of disability focuses on the public, structural barriers faced by disabled people and has been criticised as having little relevance for those people experiencing mental distress. However, this group of disabled people do experience psycho-emotional disablism in the form of disablist hate crime and prejudiced attitudes from others. Using this as a starting point, this chapter adopts an extended social relational definition of disablism (Thomas, 2007) to show the interconnections between mental distress, disablism and impairment and considers how they are mediated by structural disablism, psycho-emotional disablism, and the psycho-emotional effects of impairment. A three-fold model is proposed which recognises: mental distress as a diverse way of ‘being’ rather than pathology; the disabling consequences of living with prejudice and stigma; the ‘stickiness’ of impairment within accounts of living with mental distress; and the experience of people living with mental distress and other forms of impairment.Less
The traditional social model of disability focuses on the public, structural barriers faced by disabled people and has been criticised as having little relevance for those people experiencing mental distress. However, this group of disabled people do experience psycho-emotional disablism in the form of disablist hate crime and prejudiced attitudes from others. Using this as a starting point, this chapter adopts an extended social relational definition of disablism (Thomas, 2007) to show the interconnections between mental distress, disablism and impairment and considers how they are mediated by structural disablism, psycho-emotional disablism, and the psycho-emotional effects of impairment. A three-fold model is proposed which recognises: mental distress as a diverse way of ‘being’ rather than pathology; the disabling consequences of living with prejudice and stigma; the ‘stickiness’ of impairment within accounts of living with mental distress; and the experience of people living with mental distress and other forms of impairment.
