Embracing the "New Normal" in Speech Language Pathology
The post-pandemic world has brought to light many systemic inequalities, and as practitioners in the field of speech language pathology, it's crucial to understand how these dynamics affect our practice and the outcomes for the children we serve. The research article "Confronting Inequality in the 'New Normal': Hyper-capitalism, Proto-socialism, and Post-pandemic Recovery" by Jackson and Victor (2021) offers valuable insights that can be applied to enhance our practice.
Understanding the Dynamics of Inequality
Jackson and Victor explore the relationship between labor and capital, particularly under conditions of declining economic growth. They highlight how systemic inequality is exacerbated when institutions favor capital over labor, a condition termed as "hyper-capitalism." This understanding is critical for speech language pathologists as it underscores the importance of advocating for equitable access to therapy services, especially in underserved communities.
Implementing Redistributive Measures
The study examines three redistributive measures: graduated income tax, tax on capital, and universal basic income (UBI). While these measures alone are insufficient to control inequality in hyper-capitalistic conditions, they have the potential to significantly reduce inequality when combined under more favorable conditions for wage labor, referred to as "proto-socialism."
For practitioners, this means advocating for policies that support equitable access to resources and services. Consider collaborating with schools and community organizations to ensure that therapy services are accessible to all children, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
Encouraging Further Research
As practitioners, staying informed and engaging in continuous research is vital. The dynamics of inequality and their impact on therapy outcomes are complex and multifaceted. By conducting further research and participating in professional discussions, we can develop innovative strategies to address these challenges and improve outcomes for children.
Practical Steps for Practitioners
- Advocate for Policy Change: Engage with policymakers to promote redistributive measures that can reduce inequality and improve access to therapy services.
- Collaborate with Schools: Work closely with educational institutions to ensure that therapy services are integrated into the school environment, making them more accessible to students.
- Promote Community Engagement: Partner with community organizations to raise awareness about the importance of speech language pathology and advocate for resources to support therapy services.
- Stay Informed: Regularly review current research and participate in professional development opportunities to stay abreast of new strategies and approaches in the field.
By implementing these strategies, speech language pathologists can play a pivotal role in addressing systemic inequalities and ensuring that all children have the opportunity to thrive.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Confronting inequality in the “new normal”: Hyper-capitalism, proto-socialism, and post-pandemic recovery.
