What are the main differences between the Medical and Social models of disability? Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each model in understanding disability. Academic Help

I need help with a Social Science question. All explanations and answers will be used to help me learn.

INSTRUCTIONS (PLEASE FOCUS ON CITATIONS)

•Minimum of 8 sources in the bibliography

•Ensure you reference appropriately, both within your essay (intext citations), and in your bibliography-Use the guides to avoid mistakes!!

•Observe the word count: 1,500 word essay (10%)

•Ensure you provide the correct intext citations – use the guides

•Organise/structure the literature you present

•Support the points you make with appropriate references

•No: ‘I’, ‘we’, ‘me’ or ‘my opinion’ (you need to write in third person narrative)

•Ensure you provide an introduction and a conclusion

•No: tables, photo’s, graphs/charts or subheadings

Focus is on individual limitations – the impairment is regarded as the ‘problem’

Bodily ‘abnormality’ causing ‘disability’ or limitation

This has also been referred to as ‘The personal Tragedy Model’ – why?

How does the concept of the ‘norm’ fit here? – To be healthy means not suffering from any diseases, this is regarded as a ‘deviation’ from ‘normal’ biological functioning

What role do medical specialists play? Some key terms/points: Medicalisation, professional dominance, expertise, care

The Medical Model:

Weakness: the focus is on the individual, their impairment = their problem. Why is this problematic?

Strength: Pain alleviation and medicine – reduces the pain and discomfort experienced

The Social Model:

Weakness: accused of neglecting /denying experiences of impairment i.e pain/discomfort

Strength: Understanding disability in relation to oppression, campaigning activities have paved the way for anti-discrimination legislation, rights and social change – which ones are relevant here?

What other strengths and weaknesses can you identify?