The principles and discourses of the social model : exploring their use and usefulness in the Irish context

Abstract

The principles and discourses of the social model challenge the individualised interpretation of disability, redefining it as social oppression. Within the last three decades this model has successfully translated the understanding of disability from being a private trouble to a public concern. This redefinition shifts the focus away from the tragedy of afflicted individuals, replacing this with socio-political discourses of contested citizenship, environmental barriers, and economic and social disadvantage. Accordingly the phenomenon of disability is presented as a public sphere concern and the individual experiences of oppression are harnessed and presented as universal grievances.