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The social construction of disability and the capabilities approach: Implications for nursing
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

The social construction of disability and the capabilities approach: Implications for nursing

Whitney A. Thurman, Tracie C. Harrison, Alexandra A. Garcia and William M. Sage
Nursing forum (Hillsdale), Vol.54(4), pp.642-649
10/01/2019
DOI: 10.1111/nuf.12389
PMID: 31559644
url
https://doi.org/10.1111/nuf.12389View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Problem Improving the health and well-being of people with disabilities (PWD) should be included any strategies aimed at eliminating health disparities and achieving health equity in the United States. However, practitioners and policymakers often overlook disability when considering health equity. This is problematic because structural injustices including social and environmental barriers frequently worsen health for PWD. A commitment to social justice, however, dictates that everyone should have equitable opportunities to participate in chosen aspects of life to the best of their abilities and desires. Methods We use a critical commentary to provide suggestions for the nursing discipline. Specifically, we 1) position the disparities in health and well-being experienced by PWD as matters of equity and social justice, 2) describe Amartya Sen's capabilities approach, and 3) provide suggestions for incorporating tenets of the capabilities approach into nursing practice, research, and policy. Conclusion The capabilities approach can provide a useful framework to guide nursing practice, research, and policy in order to advance social justice for PWD.
Life Sciences & Biomedicine Nursing Science & Technology

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