Independent Living in Post-Socialist Countries: Between Familialism, Deinstitutionalisation, and Reinstitutionalisation

Abstract

This article considers how, as a result of the persistence of familialism and paternalism, the legislative changes made in some Central and Eastern European countries (CEE), all of which have ratified the UN CRPD, mainly aim to: (a) incorporate the work of relatives in the home care of people with long-term disabilities and (b) place people who previously lived in large welfare institutions into smaller facilities (either in residential units for at least 25 persons or in group homes). None of these changes enables a radical shift toward independent living, and conversely, independent living as a philosophy and way of life is not yet a real alternative to family-based and paternalistic welfare provision in CEE. By extension, the social model of disability, which promotes dignity, respect, and self-determination to improve the lives of people with disabilities, remains an ‘alternative’ and a ‘radical way of thinking’ rather than being mainstream.