Perspectives on Deafness: medical vs social-cultural

What are perspectives on deafness?

Perspectives on deafness are different ways of understanding and thinking about being deaf. There are two main perspectives: the medical view and the social-cultural view. These views affect how deaf people are treated and supported.

Medical View of Deafness

The medical view sees deafness as a health problem that needs to be fixed or treated. Here are some important points:

Doctors and audiologists often take this view
They focus on the physical part of hearing loss
They try to find ways to improve or restore hearing for deaf people
They might suggest hearing aids or cochlear implants
The goal is to help deaf people participate more fully in society by improving their ability to hear and speak.
Doctors work to help people feel less alone because they promise (Hippocratic oath) to improve everyone’s health and happiness.

For example, a doctor might say, “We can help your child hear better with a cochlear implant.” This shows they see deafness as something to change.

Social-Cultural View of Deafness

The social-cultural view sees deafness as a natural part of human diversity. It focuses on Deaf culture and community. Here are some important points:

Many deaf people and their families take this perspective
They see being deaf as a positive identity, not an illness or loss
They value sign language as their natural way to communicate
They believe Deaf culture is rich and important
The goal is to accept and celebrate deafness

For example, a deaf person might say, “I’m proud to be Deaf. It’s who I am.” This shows they see deafness as a positive part of their identity1.

Breakthrough in Formal Education

In 1771, a big event happened when Abbe Charles Michel de L’Epee started the first free public school for deaf people in Paris, called the National Institute for Deaf-Mutes. This school was very important in creating Old French Sign Language. Students from all over France came to the school and shared the signs they used at home. L’Epee used these signs to help make a standard sign language.

Comparing the Two Views

Here’s a simple comparison of the two perspectives:

Why these perspectives matter

Understanding these different views is important because they affect how deaf people live and are treated in society. The medical view might lead to more focus on technology and speech therapy. The social-cultural view might lead to more support for sign language and Deaf community events.

Both views have their place. Some deaf people prefer one view, while others combine both. What’s most important is respecting each deaf person’s choice and supporting their needs and wishes.

Remember, every deaf person is unique. Some may use hearing aids and speak, others may use only sign language, and many do both. The key is to have a positive attitude and be respectful of each person’s experience with deafness.

In short, perspectives on deafness show us that there are different ways to think about being deaf. The medical view focuses on fixing hearing, while the social-cultural view focuses Deaf identity and culture. Both views are important to understand as they shape how deaf people are supported and included in society.

Citations:

[1] https://www.nad.org/resources/american-sign-language/community-and-culture-frequently-asked-questions/

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4201070/

[3] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/deafness-and-hearing-loss