Shared Citizenship, Context, and the Next Generation of Self-Determination Research.

Abstract

Self-determination is recognized as a key outcome in the disability field. However, the alignment of self-determination research with the shared citizenship paradigm and growing research on the role of context and contextual variables in shaping personal and collective self-determination outcomes has not yet been fully explored. In this article we (a) describe the shared citizenship paradigm and self-determination; (b) summarize the current understanding of context; (c) identify contextual variables influencing self-determination; and (d) recommend research approaches, policies, and practices to guide the next generation of self-determination research. We highlight how adopting the shared citizenship paradigm and recognizing that context matters is essential to advancing self-determination, providing direction for future self-determination research, policy, and practice.