The social model of health suggests that society defines what is normal, which affects the way a person’s health is viewed. The biomedical model of health focuses on whether an individual is physically able to carry out day to day activities.
Models of health and illness are used to explain disability.Applying material from Item E, analyse two ways in which models of health and illness explain disability.
AQA
A Level
2024
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Essay Outline: Applying Models of Health and Illness to Disability
This essay will analyse two ways in which models of health and illness, specifically the social and biomedical models, explain disability. It will utilize Item E as a source for understanding these perspectives.
Introduction
- Briefly define disability and its relevance to society.
- Introduce the social and biomedical models of health and illness.
- State the essay's purpose: to analyse how these models explain disability.
Body Paragraph 1: The Social Model of Disability
- Explain the social model's core argument: Disability is a product of social and environmental factors that restrict a person's ability to participate fully in society.
- Discuss how the social model challenges the biomedical model's focus on individual impairment.
- Use examples from Item E to illustrate how societal attitudes, accessibility issues, and discriminatory practices contribute to disability.
- Analyze the social model's strengths: highlighting the importance of social change and inclusion for disabled people.
- Acknowledge the limitations of the social model: potential to downplay the impact of individual impairments on lived experiences.
Body Paragraph 2: The Biomedical Model of Disability
- Explain the biomedical model's view of disability as a biological or medical condition impacting physical functioning.
- Emphasize the focus on individual impairments and the need for medical intervention to address them.
- Draw examples from Item E to demonstrate how the biomedical model might interpret disability as a medical problem requiring treatment or rehabilitation.
- Analyze the biomedical model's strengths: providing a framework for medical research and treatment, leading to advancements in assistive technologies and therapies.
- Acknowledge the limitations of the biomedical model: potential to pathologize and marginalize disabled people, neglecting the social and environmental factors that contribute to their experiences.
Conclusion
- Summarize the key arguments presented about each model's explanation of disability.
- Emphasize the importance of considering both social and biomedical factors when understanding disability.
- Conclude with a statement about the need for a holistic approach that integrates both models to ensure greater understanding and inclusion for disabled people.
Evaluation
- Analyze the strengths and limitations of both models.
- Discuss the implications of each model for policy and practice related to disability.
- Consider the potential for integration of both models to provide a more comprehensive understanding of disability.
Models of Health and Illness in Understanding Disability
Disability is a complex concept that can be understood through various sociological lenses. This essay will analyze two ways in which models of health and illness, specifically the social and biomedical models, explain disability, drawing upon the insights provided in Item E.
The Social Model: Disability as Socially Constructed
The social model of health posits that disability is not an inherent characteristic of an individual, but rather a social construct. It argues that society creates barriers and limitations that disable individuals with impairments. Item E highlights this by suggesting that societal definitions of "normal" influence perceptions of health. For instance, a person who uses a wheelchair is not disabled by their inability to walk, but by the lack of ramps or accessible transportation, which are societal constructs. This model emphasizes that disability is a result of the mismatch between a person’s impairment and the environment they live in.
Furthermore, the social model highlights how societal attitudes and prejudices contribute to the disabling experience. Negative stereotypes, discrimination, and lack of understanding can further marginalize individuals with impairments, limiting their opportunities and social participation. As Item E implies, the way we view health directly impacts how we treat individuals. This model empowers individuals with disabilities by shifting the focus from individual limitations to societal barriers, advocating for social change and inclusion.
The Biomedical Model: Disability as Individual Deficit
In contrast to the social model, the biomedical model views disability as an individual deficit. It focuses on identifying and treating the biological or physiological abnormality that prevents an individual from functioning "normally," as defined by medical standards. Item E reflects this perspective by suggesting that the biomedical model prioritizes physical ability in its definition of health. For example, under this model, a person with a visual impairment is considered disabled due to the impairment itself, rather than the lack of accessible information in Braille or audio formats.
While the biomedical model has been instrumental in developing medical interventions and therapies, it has been criticized for its narrow focus on individual impairment. Critics argue that it overlooks the social and environmental factors that contribute to disability. The emphasis on "fixing" the individual, as implied by Item E's focus on "carrying out day to day activities," can lead to the medicalization of disability and neglect the lived experiences of individuals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the social and biomedical models offer distinct perspectives on disability. While the biomedical model focuses on individual impairment, the social model emphasizes the disabling role of social and environmental factors. Understanding both models is crucial for developing a holistic approach to disability that acknowledges both the individual's needs and the importance of creating a more inclusive and accessible society. By addressing societal barriers and challenging negative attitudes, we can move towards a society where disability is not a barrier to full participation and equality.
The social model of health suggests that society defines what is normal, which affects the way a person’s health is viewed. The biomedical model of health focuses on whether an individual is physically able to carry out day to day activities.
Models of health and illness are used to explain disability.Applying material from Item E, analyse two ways in which models of health and illness explain disability.
Free Mark Scheme Extracts
Answers in this band will show good knowledge and understanding of relevant material on two ways in which models of health and illness explain disability.
There will be two developed applications of material from the item, eg the social model’s view that disability is caused by environmental and social factors that disable a person; the biomedical model’s view of disability as a biological abnormality that prevent a person with a disability from carrying out day to day activities.
There will be appropriate analysis/evaluation of two ways, eg the extent to which a person with a disability is restricted by the environment and social factors more so than their impairment.