In the Social Model, what is viewed as the primary problem affecting individuals with disabilities?

In the Social Model of disability, the primary problem affecting individuals with disabilities is understood to be the attitudes and structures of the environment. This perspective shifts the focus away from the individual's impairments and places it on how society and its structures create barriers for those with disabilities. It emphasizes that disabilities are not solely caused by an individual's physical or mental limitations but arise from the interaction between people and their environment.

This model asserts that societal attitudes, physical barriers, and institutional practices can prevent individuals from fully participating in society. For instance, if a person uses a wheelchair and the buildings are not accessible, it is the lack of inclusivity in the environment that is the issue. The aim of the Social Model is to highlight the need for societal change and to advocate for the removal of these barriers, promoting a more inclusive and equitable society where individuals with disabilities can thrive.

In contrast, the other options focus on individual factors or impairments, which do not align with the Social Model's emphasis on societal influence and barriers.