SOC2604 Assignment 2
(COMPLETE
ANSWERS) Semester
2 2024 - DUE 27
September 2024
[Document subtitle]
[DATE]
[COMPANY NAME]
[Company address]
, SOC2604 Assignment 2 (COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 2 2024 - DUE 27 September 2024
Write a critical essay on the different theoretical models applied to people
with disabilities and relate how the deaf community can be regarded as an
example of a marginalized identity
Theoretical Models of Disability and the Marginalization of the Deaf
Community
Disability is a multifaceted concept that has been interpreted through various theoretical lenses.
Each model provides distinct insights into the experiences of individuals with disabilities,
shaping societal attitudes and policies. Among these, the medical, social, and cultural models
stand out. In examining the deaf community, it becomes evident how these theoretical
frameworks illuminate the complexities of identity, marginalization, and empowerment.
The Medical Model of Disability
The medical model perceives disability primarily as a deficiency or impairment that resides
within the individual. This model emphasizes diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation,
positioning disability as a problem to be fixed. For the deaf community, this perspective can
manifest in the belief that deafness is an abnormality requiring intervention, often leading to a
focus on hearing restoration through medical technologies like cochlear implants.
This model can have detrimental effects on how society views deaf individuals. It tends to
overshadow the rich cultural and linguistic identity within the deaf community. When deafness is
viewed solely as a deficiency, it marginalizes the community’s unique sign languages and
cultural practices, framing them as inferior to spoken language. Thus, the medical model
contributes to the marginalization of the deaf identity by promoting a narrative of normalization
rather than acceptance.
The Social Model of Disability
In contrast, the social model posits that disability is primarily a result of societal barriers and
attitudes rather than individual impairments. This model shifts the focus from the person to the
environment, arguing that it is society’s failure to accommodate diverse needs that creates
disability. Within the deaf community, this perspective highlights the importance of accessibility,
representation, and social inclusion.
For instance, the social model advocates for the recognition of sign language as a legitimate form
of communication, challenging the notion that spoken language is the only valid means of
interaction. By promoting accessibility in education, employment, and public spaces, this model
empowers the deaf community and challenges systemic barriers that perpetuate marginalization.
It underscores the necessity for societal change, advocating for policies that embrace diversity
rather than stigmatizing difference.
(COMPLETE
ANSWERS) Semester
2 2024 - DUE 27
September 2024
[Document subtitle]
[DATE]
[COMPANY NAME]
[Company address]
, SOC2604 Assignment 2 (COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 2 2024 - DUE 27 September 2024
Write a critical essay on the different theoretical models applied to people
with disabilities and relate how the deaf community can be regarded as an
example of a marginalized identity
Theoretical Models of Disability and the Marginalization of the Deaf
Community
Disability is a multifaceted concept that has been interpreted through various theoretical lenses.
Each model provides distinct insights into the experiences of individuals with disabilities,
shaping societal attitudes and policies. Among these, the medical, social, and cultural models
stand out. In examining the deaf community, it becomes evident how these theoretical
frameworks illuminate the complexities of identity, marginalization, and empowerment.
The Medical Model of Disability
The medical model perceives disability primarily as a deficiency or impairment that resides
within the individual. This model emphasizes diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation,
positioning disability as a problem to be fixed. For the deaf community, this perspective can
manifest in the belief that deafness is an abnormality requiring intervention, often leading to a
focus on hearing restoration through medical technologies like cochlear implants.
This model can have detrimental effects on how society views deaf individuals. It tends to
overshadow the rich cultural and linguistic identity within the deaf community. When deafness is
viewed solely as a deficiency, it marginalizes the community’s unique sign languages and
cultural practices, framing them as inferior to spoken language. Thus, the medical model
contributes to the marginalization of the deaf identity by promoting a narrative of normalization
rather than acceptance.
The Social Model of Disability
In contrast, the social model posits that disability is primarily a result of societal barriers and
attitudes rather than individual impairments. This model shifts the focus from the person to the
environment, arguing that it is society’s failure to accommodate diverse needs that creates
disability. Within the deaf community, this perspective highlights the importance of accessibility,
representation, and social inclusion.
For instance, the social model advocates for the recognition of sign language as a legitimate form
of communication, challenging the notion that spoken language is the only valid means of
interaction. By promoting accessibility in education, employment, and public spaces, this model
empowers the deaf community and challenges systemic barriers that perpetuate marginalization.
It underscores the necessity for societal change, advocating for policies that embrace diversity
rather than stigmatizing difference.
