UNDER CONSTRUCTION
SRV as an Empirical Social Theory
As stated and restated elsewhere in this web, SRV is empirically based.
That is to say that it is part of the sciences, and all of its tenets are open
to proof (and more importantly) to disproof.
SRV's Non-Empirical Baggage
Ideological Origins
Normalization and the earlier formulations of SRV were described as, and were
in fact, ideological- they told one what one should do.
LINK TO DISCUSSION ON THIS
SRV's 'Rescue'
Later versions of SRV were reformulated to ensure that all statements were
empirical and so falsifiable.
SRV's 'Fellow-Travelers'
However, teachings of Wolf Wolfensberger on allied subjects, the existence of
the Training Agency, the SRV Council and the 'Leadership Ladder', proclamations
from the Training Agency and the Council, and publications of other people
allied with SRV tend to tar SRV with non-empirical images.
An Example of Direct Influence from Non-Empirical Sources
The formulation of the 'Wounds' up until a few years ago included:
'They may experience loss of
control over their lives. ... They may also suffer loss of autonomy and
rights'.
but the current formulation is:
'Loss of Control, perhaps even
autonomy and freedom.'
(My emphasis)
Recently, Wolfensberger has become highly critical of the concept of rights
in rescuing people from devalued states; it is not a coincidence that 'Rights'
have disappeared from the Wounds. This has happened by insidious transfer
of ideology into what is meant to be an empirical subject. We need to be
aware of this as it happens.
What Must Be Done
Examine SRV for Ideological Influence
Clarify Wolfensberger's position on non-empirical
matters and separate them from SRV
Examine Wolfensberger's teaching methods for empirical
and non-empirical subjects
Consider the history of Normalization and SRV as
ideologies
Consider the influence of TIPS
Consider the influence of the Training Institute
Consider the influence of the SRV Council
And by considering all of the above, it may be possible to detoxify SRV and
limit the target for unjustified criticism of SRV as an empirical study of
devaluation and devalued people and groups.
Why People Hate Us
An examination of the problems that Wolf Wolfensberger, Susan Thomas, The
Training Institute, and specifically TIPS (Reference)
have brought down on the heads of SRV proponents.
