Social model of marginalisation: A call for collective liberation

In our journey toward creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace, the clarity of the social model of disability offers us a powerful lens through which we can view and address the broader issue of marginalisation. This perspective asserts that individuals are not disabled by their conditions but by societal barriers that restrict their participation. It's a shift that places the onus on society to dismantle these barriers, offering a transformative approach to advocacy that can and should be extended to all marginalised groups.

Marginalisation does not occur because of inherent flaws within individuals but emerges from how society chooses to treat and perceive them. This realisation is critical, as it refocuses our efforts on the systemic rather than the individual, preventing marginalised groups from being unjustly burdened with the belief that they must overcome these obstacles through personal excellence alone. It's a shift from asking marginalised individuals to adapt to a fundamentally inequitable system, to questioning and changing the system itself.

Adopting a social model of marginalisation allows us to see the interconnected nature of various forms of exclusion and discrimination. It highlights how issues within the workplace are not isolated to 'minorities' but indicate broader societal failings that affect a significant majority. In the UK, when considering women (51%), disabled people (23%), ethnic minorities (15%), and the LGBTQ+ community (3.2%), we recognize a collective majority affected by systemic inequities. This approach urges us to seek collective solutions to systemic problems, emphasising positive action over the daunting task of altering individual attitudes with finite resources.

While the social model of disability is enlightening, it's also necessary to acknowledge its limitations. It tends to romanticise the notion that eliminating barriers will automatically resolve the struggles faced by disabled individuals. This oversimplification can overlook the nuanced and multifaceted nature of lived experiences. However, it remains a critical starting point for reimagining how we address marginalisation, advocating for a shift towards a society that values collective liberation and justice for all.

As we move forward, let us champion the social model of marginalisation, recognizing the power of collective action and systemic change. Let's educate each other about the forces at play (imperialism, colonialism, capitalism etc) that are creating these issues. It's time we construct a workplace — and a society — where everyone has the opportunity to participate fully, without the burden of overcoming unnecessary barriers. Let's unite in our efforts to dismantle these barriers, advocating for a world that celebrates diversity, practices inclusion, and works tirelessly toward justice and liberation for every individual.

#Diversity #Inclusion #DandI #Disability #Neurodiversity