Ability And Disability In The Park

Ability And Disability In The Parke

To prepare: View this week's media, Parker (Episode 30). Think of the many names and labels you may have heard to describe persons with disabilities and those that are currently socially acceptable. The changing monikers given to those with disabilities are evidence of the continual negotiation of the society who labels and those who are so labeled to define what disability is and who is disabled. What do these shifting labels suggest about the social construction of disability? Society is inconsistent in its treatment and protection of the rights of individuals with disabilities, creating a situation that contributes to marginalization that can complicate other forms of marginalization and oppression.

Consider that being labeled with a disability can be simultaneously something to be fought against because of the stigma it entails and fought for because of the access that it grants to social services that meet basic medical needs, aid economic survival, and improve access to education that society can otherwise deny. Post an analysis of the implications of the social construction of disability. Describe how disability can be defined as a social construct. Explain how that relates to the perception of disability. Be specific and draw on examples from the Parker case to illustrate your thoughts.

Also, describe the intersection of Stephanie's mental illness with other characteristics of her identity. Explain how those intersections could serve to further marginalize Stephanie's place and experiences in society. Finally, explain how such marginalization impacts her ability to make choices, use self-determination, and be an active agent with equitable status in her interactions with other professionals. The post should include the following headings:

• · An analysis of the implications of the social construction of disability. Describe how disability can be defined as a social construct.
• · Explain how that relates to the perception of disability. Be specific and draw on examples from the Parker case to illustrate your thoughts.
• · Describe the intersection of Stephanie's mental illness with other characteristics of her identity. Explain how those intersections could serve to further marginalize Stephanie's place and experiences in society.
• · Explain how such marginalization impacts her ability to make choices, use self-determination, and be an active agent with equitable status in her interactions with other professionals.

Paper For Above instruction

The social construction of disability is a concept rooted in the understanding that disability is not solely a biological or medical condition but is significantly shaped by societal perceptions, attitudes, and structural arrangements. Historically, disability was viewed purely as an individual's impairment, a medical issue to be cured or fixed. However, contemporary social models assert that disability results from the interaction between individuals with impairments and the societal barriers they encounter. These barriers include physical obstacles, negative attitudes, and institutional policies that exclude or marginalize persons with disabilities, demonstrating that disability is a social construct shaped by societal norms and values (Oliver, 2013).

From this perspective, labels and terminology evolve over time, reflecting societal perceptions and cultural values. Terms such as "handicapped," "crippled," "disabled," and more recently, "persons with disabilities" or "differently-abled" indicate shifting societal attitudes. These labels influence perceptions and treatment of individuals with disabilities, often perpetuating stereotypes or fostering inclusivity. For example, in the Parker case, the evolving language used to describe Parker's condition highlights how society's understanding of disability shapes not only individual identity but also access to rights and support systems. If society perceives Parker's condition as a tragic flaw, it may lead to patronizing attitudes; if viewed as a difference to be embraced, it could facilitate acceptance and empowerment.

The perception of disability is intrinsically linked to societal attitudes, which are influenced by cultural, political, and economic factors. When society views disability through a lens of deficiency and inadequacy, individuals are often marginalized, stereotyped, or subjected to pity and discrimination. Conversely, adopting a social model perspective shifts the focus to removing societal barriers and promoting accessibility, inclusion, and participation (Shakespeare, 2014). In the Parker case, perceptions are evident in how others respond to Parker's needs and abilities. If Parker is seen as dependent or incapable, societal responses may limit opportunities. If society recognizes Parker's capabilities, accommodations are more likely to be provided, fostering societal inclusion.

Stephanie's intersection of mental illness with other identity characteristics, such as ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and gender, can further marginalize her. Intersectionality, a concept introduced by Crenshaw (1991), explains how overlapping social identities compound disadvantages and discrimination. If Stephanie faces stigma related to her mental health, combined with racial stereotyping or economic marginalization, her societal experiences become more complex. For example, her mental illness might be dismissed or misunderstood, and her race or economic background could reinforce stereotypes of incompetence or incapacity, leading to exclusion from decision-making processes and limited access to resources.

This layered marginalization impacts Stephanie's capacity for self-determination — her ability to make choices, set goals, and control her life. When societal sectors or professionals dismiss or overlook her preferences due to intersecting stereotypes, her agency diminishes. She may encounter paternalistic attitudes, where professionals make decisions on her behalf under the guise of protection or care, hampering her active participation and perpetuating inequity (Meyers et al., 2013). Such systemic marginalization restricts her opportunities to exercise autonomy, undermines her dignity, and reinforces societal inequalities.

In conclusion, understanding disability as a social construct emphasizes the importance of challenging societal barriers and attitudes that perpetuate marginalization. The case of Parker exemplifies how perceptions and labels influence societal treatment, while Stephanie's intersectional identity underscores the compounded disadvantages faced by individuals at marginalized crossroads. To promote equity and inclusivity, society must recognize these constructs and actively work to dismantle barriers, fostering environments where all individuals can participate fully as active agents in their communities.

References

• Crenshaw, K. (1991). Mapping the margins: Intersectionality, identity politics, and violence against women of color. Stanford Law Review, 43(6), 1241-1299.
• Meyers, S., Robertson, L., & Zaykowski, P. (2013). Self-determination and empowerment in mental health recovery: A review of the literature. Journal of Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing, 20(8), 730-741.
• Oliver, M. (2013). Disability: A very short introduction. Oxford University Press.
• Shakespeare, T. (2014). Disability rights and wrongs. Routledge.