Thesis
Epilepsy and society: a critical social research analysis of policies, media and inclusion of students with epilepsy in schools
Southern Cross University
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University
2010
Metrics
9 File views/ downloads
45 Record Views
Abstract
Teachers are a part of society and receivers of knowledge through the media -- our 'knowings' are informed by the selection and use of words and language. This knowledge influences our attitudes and behaviour towards those with epilepsy, and our expectations are the same.
Social, psychological and educational problems are a reality for our students in schools, and may be exacerbated by teachers, who are not immune to the traditions, perceptions and influences of society. Recognised since the earliest medical writings, epilepsy, as a medical condition has attracted much attention and controversy. The 4000 years of ignorance, superstition and stigma towards those living with epilepsy and epilepsy itself, and the move to knowledge without superstition and stigma is not overwhelmingly evidenced in the media. The continued use of the labels of 'disease' and 'handicap' evidence the reality of stigma and discrimination that still endures in relation to a diagnosis of epilepsy. Epilepsy, the most common serious neurological condition, affects at least 1 in 200, with estimates of 1% of the Western population having some form of seizure disorder.
Despite concerted campaigns designed to inform and change the attitudes of society, many children are misunderstood and handled inappropriately. Studies today confirm that up to 30% of teachers in some countries still associate epilepsy with insanity. For many, the concept of fear leads to prejudice which flows on to stigma and discrimination.
Current trends in education towards mainstreaming and inclusion provide meagre opportunity for issues concerning a child's adaptations to the adversity of epilepsy. Knowledge of epilepsy may have taken the place of ignorance, but superstition and stigma remain.
This research investigation, using a critical social research methodology, interrogates the data, reviewing particular instances, educational policy, the critical history and the media portrayal of epilepsy. From this analysis recommendations are made for educational policy, teacher education, media guidelines and the need for broader education and understanding in society.
Implications of the investigation for further research are detailed.
Details
- Title
- Epilepsy and society: a critical social research analysis of policies, media and inclusion of students with epilepsy in schools
- Creators
- Noelene L Weatherby-Fell
- Contributors
- Brian Kean (Supervisor) - Southern Cross UniversityJohn Barrie (Supervisor) - Southern Cross UniversityJohn Hammond (Supervisor) - Southern Cross University
- Awarding Institution
- Southern Cross University; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Theses
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University
- Publisher
- Southern Cross University
- Number of pages
- xxx, 551
- Identifiers
- 991012931100502368
- Copyright
- © Noeline L. Weatherby-Fell
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Education; School of Education
- Resource Type
- Thesis