How is disability understood? An examination of sociological approaches.

Thomas, C. J. (2004) How is disability understood? An examination of sociological approaches. Disability and Society, 19 (6). pp. 569-583. ISSN 0968-7599

Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract

This paper considers sociological understandings of what constitutes disability. Current meanings of disability in both disability studies and medical sociology are examined and compared, using selected articles from leading authors in each discipline as case studies. These disciplines are often represented as offering starkly contrasting approaches to disability, with their differences amounting to a disciplinary 'divide'. It is argued that, on closer inspection, common ground can be found between some writers in disability studies and medical sociology. It is suggested that this situation has arisen because, in disability studies, the social relational understanding of disability developed by Vic Finkelstein and Paul Hunt in the 1970s has been lost over time, overshadowed by the rise to prominence of its offspring: the social model of disability. The paper concludes with some reflections on the need to revive a social relational understanding of disability.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Disability and Society
Additional Information:
RAE_import_type : Journal article RAE_uoa_type : Social Work and Social Policy & Administration
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/3300/3306
Subjects:
?? health(social science)social sciences(all)health professions(all)h social sciences (general) ??
ID Code:
3370
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
18 Mar 2008 16:41
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
28 Nov 2023 11:12