Medical Model of Disability vs. Sociological Model of Disability

Attribute	Medical Model of Disability	Sociological Model of Disability
Definition	Views disability as a medical problem that needs to be fixed or cured.	Views disability as a social construct that is created by barriers in society.
Focus	Focuses on the individual and their impairment or condition.	Focuses on the social, environmental, and attitudinal barriers that create disability.
Approach to Disability	Sees disability as a personal tragedy or deficit.	Sees disability as a result of societal attitudes and structures.
Role of Society	Views society as needing to accommodate and provide services for disabled individuals.	Views society as needing to remove barriers and create inclusive environments for all.

Introduction

Disability is a complex and multifaceted concept that has been approached from various perspectives. Two prominent models used to understand disability are the Medical Model and the Sociological Model. While both models aim to address the needs of individuals with disabilities, they differ in their underlying assumptions and approaches.

Medical Model of Disability

The Medical Model of Disability views disability as a personal health condition that needs to be diagnosed, treated, and cured. According to this model, disability is seen as a deviation from the norm and is often attributed to individual impairments or medical conditions. The focus is on fixing the individual through medical interventions, such as surgeries, medications, or therapies, to help them function in society.

• Disability is seen as a medical problem.
• Focus is on individual impairments.
• Emphasis on diagnosis and treatment.
• Goal is to cure or fix the individual.
• Views disability as a deviation from the norm.

Sociological Model of Disability

The Sociological Model of Disability, on the other hand, takes a broader perspective by focusing on the social, environmental, and attitudinal barriers that contribute to disability. This model emphasizes the role of society in creating barriers that limit the participation and inclusion of individuals with disabilities. It highlights the need for social change, accessibility, and equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their abilities.

• Focuses on social, environmental, and attitudinal barriers.
• Emphasizes the role of society in creating disability.
• Calls for social change and accessibility.
• Advocates for equal opportunities for all individuals.
• Views disability as a result of societal factors.

Comparison

When comparing the Medical Model and the Sociological Model of Disability, it is evident that they have contrasting views on the nature of disability and how it should be addressed. The Medical Model focuses on the individual and aims to cure or fix the impairment, while the Sociological Model looks at disability as a result of societal barriers and calls for social change to create a more inclusive society.

While the Medical Model places the responsibility on the individual to adapt to society's norms, the Sociological Model places the responsibility on society to remove barriers and create an environment that is accessible to all. The Medical Model often leads to a focus on medical interventions and treatments, while the Sociological Model advocates for a more holistic approach that addresses the social, economic, and environmental factors that contribute to disability.

Implications

The differences between the Medical Model and the Sociological Model have significant implications for how individuals with disabilities are perceived and treated in society. The Medical Model may lead to stigmatization and discrimination against individuals with disabilities, as it views them as needing to be fixed or cured. In contrast, the Sociological Model promotes a more inclusive and accepting society that values diversity and recognizes the rights of all individuals.

By adopting a Sociological Model approach, society can work towards creating a more accessible and inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities. This includes implementing policies and practices that promote equal opportunities, removing physical and attitudinal barriers, and fostering a culture of acceptance and respect for all individuals, regardless of their abilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Medical Model of Disability and the Sociological Model of Disability offer different perspectives on how disability is understood and addressed. While the Medical Model focuses on individual impairments and medical interventions, the Sociological Model looks at disability as a result of societal barriers and calls for social change to create a more inclusive society. By recognizing the strengths and limitations of each model, society can work towards creating a more equitable and accessible environment for individuals with disabilities.