AMANDA HYNAN FINAL THESIS PDF

Social identity: This is built up over time through on-going interpersonal
contacts (Milner & Kelly, 2009). A recognised social status is important
(Lefebvre et al. 2008) and is facilitated by family and other social networks
(such as being part of a local church movement).
Reciprocity and valued contribution: Milner and Kelly (2009) describe
being valued and perceived as contributing help to challenge perceptions of
dependence and create a sense of supporting the lives of others. Smith and
Murray (2011) suggest reciprocity implies a sense of equality.
Participatory expectations: Milner and Kelly (2009) describe limited
expectations of participation from non-disabled people as one of the most
disabling barriers for a sense of community participation and the support and
encouragement from other people with disabilities was one of the most
empowering. Smith and Murray (2011) discuss the importance of feeling able
to challenge assumptions and attitudes.
Psychological safety: Milner and Kelly (2009) describe the sense of safety
and belonging that is experienced with trusted members of a community
where what you say and can contribute is valued by other members. Smith and
Murray (2011) speak about becoming “incorporated into the social history of
the particular community spaces” (p. 294).
Mahar, et al. (2013) conducted a narrative literature review
“to develop a transdisciplinary conceptualization of social belonging” (p. 1026)
to guide outcome measurements of community-based programmes for people with
disabilities. They also identified five themes which are important for perceiving a
sense of social inclusion: subjectivity, reciprocity, groundedness, dynamism and
self-determination. Although using different terminology these map closely to the
research of Milner and Kelly (2009) as illustrated by the brief description given
below:
self-determination (a sense of power over choice of interaction). Milner
and Kelly (2009) identify a key attribute of self-determination is selfauthorship
of activity.
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