Reciprocity, resources, and relationships: New discourses in healthcare, personal, and social relationships*

Abstract

Dominant cultural narratives of disability and rehabilitation tend to emphasize a unilateral perspective on need, dependency, and giving. Yet, making a contribution and participating in a two-way process of giving are common features of strong, healthy relationships and community belonging. This paper will explore reciprocity within social relationships and link aspects of making a contribution and taking part to the concept of Active Citizenship. Drawing on theory and research from sociology, psychology, rehabilitation, ageing, and disability studies, the paper will discuss issues for researchers, therapists, support workers, and friends in building more equal relationships between people with communication disability and those they live and work with. Through descriptions of two community building projects developed by people with aphasia at Connect- the communication disability network in the UK, the paper will illuminate what active citizenship means and ways collaborative, user-led projects can promote social capital and leadership by people who live with a communication disability. This is positioned as an alternative to models and mindsets which risk perpetuating careers for people as passive recipients of care and support. The paper concludes by identifying practical implications for clinicians in promoting reciprocal relationships with and between adults with communication impairments.

Keywords:

• Reciprocity
• relationships
• friendship
• peer support
• active citizenship
• social capital
• communication disability
• social model of disability

Acknowledgements

My thanks to many colleagues and volunteers at Connect for their invaluable insights into the many faces of peer support. I thank all the funders of the Connect-ed and Access to Life projects including the Department of Health and the Tavistock Trust for Aphasia. I also acknowledge the generous support of Rozanne Barrow, Bronwyn Davidson, Judy Duchan, Alan Hewitt, and Susie Parr in developing the ideas in this paper.