SOC2604
ASSIGNMENT 2 (SEMESTER 2)
DUE DATE: 27 September 2024
Written Assignment Submission Guidelines:
Please ensure that your assignment is submitted electronically through the myUnisa platform no
later than September 2024. Kindly note that fax or email submissions will not be accepted.
NB: Assignment submitted to the lecturer(s) through email will not be considered.
TITLE: Theoretical Models of Disability: Understanding the Deaf Community as a Marginalized
Identity
INTRODUCTION:
Disability, as a social construct, has been interpreted through various theoretical lenses that shape
our understanding of the experiences of individuals with disabilities. Among these, the medical
model, social model, and the biopsychosocial model stand out. Each of these models offers distinct
perspectives that influence policy, advocacy, and societal attitudes toward people with disabilities.
This essay critically examines these theoretical frameworks and illustrates how the deaf community
exemplifies a marginalized identity, highlighting the challenges and resilience inherent in their
experiences.
The Medical Model of Disability
The medical model of disability views disability primarily as a deficiency or abnormality that resides
within the individual. It focuses on diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, often portraying
disabled individuals as "patients" needing to be fixed or cured. This perspective can lead to the
marginalization of individuals by reinforcing stereotypes and promoting a narrow understanding of
ASSIGNMENT 2 (SEMESTER 2)
DUE DATE: 27 September 2024
Written Assignment Submission Guidelines:
Please ensure that your assignment is submitted electronically through the myUnisa platform no
later than September 2024. Kindly note that fax or email submissions will not be accepted.
NB: Assignment submitted to the lecturer(s) through email will not be considered.
TITLE: Theoretical Models of Disability: Understanding the Deaf Community as a Marginalized
Identity
INTRODUCTION:
Disability, as a social construct, has been interpreted through various theoretical lenses that shape
our understanding of the experiences of individuals with disabilities. Among these, the medical
model, social model, and the biopsychosocial model stand out. Each of these models offers distinct
perspectives that influence policy, advocacy, and societal attitudes toward people with disabilities.
This essay critically examines these theoretical frameworks and illustrates how the deaf community
exemplifies a marginalized identity, highlighting the challenges and resilience inherent in their
experiences.
The Medical Model of Disability
The medical model of disability views disability primarily as a deficiency or abnormality that resides
within the individual. It focuses on diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, often portraying
disabled individuals as "patients" needing to be fixed or cured. This perspective can lead to the
marginalization of individuals by reinforcing stereotypes and promoting a narrow understanding of
