Disability and Society, 17(4), June 2002, pp.457-470.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Social model theory has been developing in Britain since the Union of the Physically Impaired Against Segregation (UPIAS) published their Fundamental Principles of Disability in 1976, followed shortly afterwards by Finkelstein's seminal exposition. Since then, various competing positions have been elaborated from this original starting point. Through a review of the literature, this article outlines the course of those developments to date, in order to show the full range and potential of social model theory. In recording some of the commentaries on each of the various theoretical strands which have emerged, it also highlights some areas in which further theorisation may be desirable in order to make more explicit the links between social model theory and disability movement practice.
Social model theory has been developing in Britain since the Union of the Physically Impaired Against Segregation (UPIAS) published their Fundamental Principles of Disability in 1976, followed shortly afterwards by Finkelstein's seminal exposition. Since then, various competing positions have been elaborated from this original starting point. Through a review of the literature, this article outlines the course of those developments to date, in order to show the full range and potential of social model theory. In recording some of the commentaries on each of the various theoretical strands which have emerged, it also highlights some areas in which further theorisation may be desirable in order to make more explicit the links between social model theory and disability movement practice.
Subject terms:
literature reviews, physical disabilities, psychoanalysis, social model, social work theories, sociology, stereotyped attitudes, treatment, therapy and treatment, anti-discriminatory practice, cultural identity, discrimination, feminist theory;