From Descartes to the Double Empathy Problem: How Dualism Shaped the Pathologization of Neurodivergence

From Descartes to the Double Empathy Problem: For centuries, Western psychology has assumed a normative model of social cognition, defining communication and empathy through neurotypical standards. This framework has pathologized neurodivergent relational modes, positioning autistic communication styles as deficits rather than valid, alternative ways of engaging with the world. But where did this bias originate?Continue reading “From Descartes to the Double Empathy Problem: How Dualism Shaped the Pathologization of Neurodivergence”

The Loneliness Epidemic and Descartes’ Legacy: How Mind-Body Dualism Shaped Our Emotional Disconnection

The Loneliness Epidemic and Descartes’ Legacy: How Mind-Body Dualism Shaped Our Emotional Disconnection Introduction The modern loneliness epidemic is often attributed to technological advancements, social media, or shifts in family structures. However, its roots go much deeper—stretching back to a philosophical shift that redefined how we perceive ourselves and others. René Descartes’ mind-body dualism, whichContinue reading “The Loneliness Epidemic and Descartes’ Legacy: How Mind-Body Dualism Shaped Our Emotional Disconnection”

How Functional Conflict Perspective (FCP) and the Social Model of Disability Intersect

The social model of disability challenges the idea that disability is an inherent personal deficit. Instead, it argues that disability is created by society’s failure to accommodate diverse needs. This model contrasts with the medical model, which frames disability as an individual problem to be “fixed” or “treated.” Key Principles of the Social Model ofContinue reading “How Functional Conflict Perspective (FCP) and the Social Model of Disability Intersect”

Restorative Systems Movement (RSM): A Unified Framework for Systemic Healing, Climate Justice, and Social Transformation

Restorative Systems Movement (RSM): A Unified Framework for Systemic Healing, Climate Justice, and Social Transformation The Restorative Systems Movement (RSM) integrates all my frameworks—Functional Conflict Perspective (FCP), Disability-Inclusive Governance (DIGERA), Restorative Eco-Activism, Spiral City Models, and Trauma-Informed Systems Change—into a single activist movement. This movement envisions a world where systemic transformation is rooted in healing,Continue reading “Restorative Systems Movement (RSM): A Unified Framework for Systemic Healing, Climate Justice, and Social Transformation”

Eco-Activism as a Form of Restorative Cohesion

The Gaia Hypothesis, which proposes that the Earth functions much as our bodies do to maintain homeostasis, was formulated in the mid-1960s, by James Lovelock, an atmospheric scientist, and Lynn Margulis, a microbiologist.  This theory was startling to some as it suggests the idea that the Earth is a single, living entity; that she isContinue reading “Eco-Activism as a Form of Restorative Cohesion”

A List of -Isms, as seen through a Functional Conflict perspective

All oppression leads to experiencing individual traumas. A Brief and Non-Comprehensive List of Oppressions: ableism = systemic and systematic discrimination against alter-abled or “disabled” people. adultism = systemic and systematic prejudice and discrimination against young people and children. ageism = systemic and systematic discrimination against persons of an older age group. antisemitism = systemic andContinue reading “A List of -Isms, as seen through a Functional Conflict perspective”

Nervous System Fragmentation in Unstable Emotional Environments: The Autistic Double Burden

In childhood, consistent emotional attunement from caregivers is essential for developing a cohesive, regulated nervous system. When a child grows up in an emotionally unpredictable or unsafe environment, their nervous system adapts in self-protective ways, leading to fragmentation—a process where the child’s physiological states (fight, flight, freeze, fawn) become disconnected rather than integrated. How FragmentationContinue reading “Nervous System Fragmentation in Unstable Emotional Environments: The Autistic Double Burden”

Using a Functional-Conflict perspective for evaluation of Intersectional Social Problems

Isha Sarah SnowSociology 102/Social ProblemsJenna DePasquale, M.S., A.B.D.February 9, 2025 Memo 1: Abstract Colonizer culture, in its endless quest for hegemony, is innately insular. This contributes to social dysfunction, collective emotional avoidance and reluctance to self reflect. This memo provides a new theoretical framework for initiating collective shadow work, combining psychological and sociological approaches toContinue reading “Using a Functional-Conflict perspective for evaluation of Intersectional Social Problems”

Autism as an Evolutionary and Cultural Mechanism: A Functional-Conflict Perspective

Isha Sarah Snow pandemicnova@gmail.comFebruary 12, 2025 Abstract Autism, often framed as a disorder in Western psychiatric models, may instead be an evolutionarily adaptive mechanism that serves both individual and cultural functions. Applying Edward Hagen’s evolutionary model of mental illness as a response to adversity (Hagen, 2011), along with Brown’s assertion that self-destructive behaviors function asContinue reading “Autism as an Evolutionary and Cultural Mechanism: A Functional-Conflict Perspective”

How Lateral Organizational Frameworks Optimize Productivity and Workplace Culture by Supporting Affirmative Action in Hiring Veterans and the Disabled

Written by Kaven Winters, Karisma Vega, Sarah Flowers, Trevor Melton, Isabella RichLower Columbia CollegeBUS144/Management of Human Relations Tim Allwine, Instructor, Business ManagementNovember 26, 2023 Affirmative Action in Hiring Veterans/Disabled Table of Contents Cover pageTitle pageTable of ContentsExecutive SummaryThesis StatementMain BodyRebuttalConclusionReferencesAppendix Executive Summary The different ways that brains process information results in two distinct communication styles.Continue reading “How Lateral Organizational Frameworks Optimize Productivity and Workplace Culture by Supporting Affirmative Action in Hiring Veterans and the Disabled”