Exploring the critiques of the social model of disability: the transformative possibility of Arendt's notion of power

Abstract

The social model of disability has demonstrated political success for disabled people in society. At the same time, it has been labelled an outdated ideology in need of further development. While the social model of disability has been used successfully for political activism, it has simultaneously created conflict and tensions in disability studies, sociology and the sociology of the body. This article sheds light on the confusion surrounding the social model of disability by discussing the historical emergence of its different forms. It then proceeds to analyse and evaluate key criticisms of the social model of disability. The article then goes on to explore the relevance of different forms of power to the current discourse on disability before proceeding to explore in depth what might be gained from the approach of one particular theorist on power; Hannah Arendt. It suggests that there may be merit in drawing on Arendt and illustrates some of the benefits of a more nuanced idea of a pluralistic body and experiences.

Connectivity: An emerging concept for physiotherapy practice

“…Resistance to the power that came with the medical profession s ability to be the arbiter of abnormality began in the middle of the 20th century, and has been sustained ever since, most notably from disability rights activists, who argued that it was not impairment that disabled people, but the creation of disabling attitudes and environments (Hughes and Paterson, 2010;Owens, 2014;Shuttleworth and Meekosha, 2013). The social models of health, along with other counter-narratives that emerged after World War II, sought to give voice to people who had previously been marginalised and silenced, especially children, disabled people, elderly, indigenous communities, mental health service users and people in poverty (Marmot, Friel, Bell, Houweling, and Taylor, 2008).…”

The social construction of disability and the capabilities approach: Implications for nursing

“…The social model of disability has been hailed for its usefulness in raising the awareness of the oppression of PWD . However, some PWD have criticized this model's bracketing of impairment as entirely separate from disability as an inaccurate account of their lived experiences, arguing that the model fails to acknowledge how impairment is part of their daily personal lives .…”

“…13 The social model of disability has been hailed for its usefulness in raising the awareness of the oppression of PWD. 15 However, some PWD have criticized this model's bracketing of impairment as entirely separate from disability as an inaccurate account of their lived experiences, arguing that the model fails to acknowledge how impairment is part of their daily personal lives. 16 Impairments often have very tangible effects on people's well-being and seeing impairments as acceptable forms of human diversity is not the same as seeing them as neutral or insignificant.…”

A review of adults with disabilities transitioning from their family home to community settings

“…Shakespeare (1999) has challenged the denial of impairment implied by this model, concerned about the impact of the physical and intellectual inherent limitations on possibilities for working within a social model understanding of disabling conditions. Owens (2015) similarly stated that the social model of disability lacks engagement with the embodied experience of disability and with the identities of disabled people. From contemporary texts, there is no clear answer to this embodied versus social conundrum.…”

“…From contemporary texts, there is no clear answer to this embodied versus social conundrum. Of late, the social model of disability has been heavily critiqued with calls to move beyond it (Owens, 2015;Shakespeare & Watson, 2001) and towards a set of principles that sufficiently encapsulate the inclusiveness of a social model, and at the same time, address the real physical needs of disabled people.…”