Deaf Identity Development: An Analysis through Glickman’s Deaf Identity Theory and Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Theory

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the development of deaf identity through the integration of Glickman’s deaf identity theory and Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological systems theory. It examines the influence of multiple factors, including parental hearing status, modes of communication, educational settings, and societal attitudes, in shaping deaf identity. The study emphasizes the pervasive impact of social structures, particularly the dominance of medical perspective on deafness, which affect individual experiences, institutional policies, and broader sociocultural norms. By drawing on these theoretical frameworks, this study examines the dynamic and continuously evolving process of deaf identity, shaped by interactions within the microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem, and chronosystem. Furthermore, it explores the extent to which early-life experiences within various ecological systems contribute to long term identity development and self-perception. The prevailing medical model of deafness, which is reinforced across ecological layers, perpetuates a cycle that constrains identity development by influencing individual experiences at all levels, from family to education, and fosters cultural attitudes that hinder inclusive identity formation. In conclusion, the point of disruption for this cycle lies in the formulation of equitable policies that would facilitate the shift from the dominant medical model to a cultural model, the promotion of bilingual acquisition, and the implementation of inclusive, deaf culturally informed, and human rights-based regulations across all ecological systems.

Keywords

• deaf identity
• deaf culture
• deaf community
• Bronfenbrenner
• hearing parents

Sağır Kimlik Gelişimi: Glickman’ın Sağır Kimlik Teorisi ve Bronfenbrenner’ın Biyoekolojik Kuramı Üzerinden Bir İnceleme

Abstract

Bu çalışma, sağır kimlik gelişimini Glickman’ın sağır kimlik teorisi ve Bronfenbrenner’ın biyoekolojik sistemler kuramı çerçevesinde incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Bu bağlamda, işiten ebeveynlerin işitme durumu, iletişim türü, eğitim ortamları ve toplumsal yapılar gibi sağır kimliğini şekillendiren çeşitli etmenlerin etkisine odaklanılmaktadır. Çalışma, özellikle sağır bireyleri çevreleyen sosyal yapılarda medikal bakış açısının baskın olmasının; bireysel deneyimler, toplumsal politikalar ve daha geniş sosyokültürel normlar üzerindeki etkisini vurgulamaktadır. Bu teoriler doğrultusunda, sağır kimliğinin dinamik ve sürekli değişen bir yapı olduğu ve mikrosistem, mezosistem, egzosistem, makrosistem ve kronosistem düzeylerindeki deneyim ve etkileşimler yoluyla biçimlendiği ele alınmaktadır. Mikrosistemde erken yaşta edinilen deneyimlerin ve dış sistemlerde bunları pekiştiren yaşantıların, bireyin sağır kimliği ve öz algısı üzerinde uzun vadeli bir etkisi olduğu görülmektedir. Sağır olmayı çoğunlukla medikal bir sorun olarak gören baskın anlayış, aileden eğitime kadar her düzeyde bireysel deneyimleri etkileyerek kimlik gelişimini kısıtlayan bir döngüyü sürdürmektedir. Sonuç olarak, bu döngünün kırılma noktası, makro sistemdeki baskın medikal modelin kültürel modele geçişini etkileyecek olan eşit ve adil politikaların düzenlenmesi, çift dil ediniminin desteklenmesi ve tüm ekolojik sistemlerde kapsayıcı, sağır kültür temelli bilgilendirici ve insan haklarına dayalı düzenlemelerin gerçekleştirilmesiyle mümkün olacağı anlaşılmaktadır.

Keywords

• sağır kimlik
• sağır kültür
• sağır toplum
• Bronfenbrenner
• işiten ebeveynler

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