Lived experience refers to the personal knowledge and understanding gained through one's own life experiences. This knowledge can include emotional, sensory, cognitive, and physical components that are unique to each individual. It is a form of subjective knowledge that cannot be easily quantified or qualified but is still meaningful in its own right. Lived experience has been used as a basis for making decisions in various fields, such as education, healthcare, social work, and law. In these areas, lived experience has been seen as a valuable source of insight into how policies, programs, and procedures impact individuals who have different backgrounds and perspectives than those who develop them.
In terms of moral authority, lived experience can provide an alternative perspective to institutionalized norms and oppression. Institutionalized norms are established rules and practices that often reinforce power imbalances and maintain existing structures of privilege and marginalization. These norms may be legitimised by formal authorities, laws, or other institutions and are difficult to challenge without sufficient evidence or support.
Lived experience provides a counterpoint to this narrative, offering an opportunity to reconsider the value of traditional norms and question their validity.
Someone who identifies as LGBTQ+ may have experienced discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, which could inform their views on equality and justice. By bringing their lived experience to the table, they can offer insights into why certain policies or practices might harm vulnerable communities and how these communities should be supported.
Epistemic insight refers to the ability to understand the world around us through our senses and experiences. This understanding includes not only what we see, hear, touch, taste, and smell, but also our feelings, thoughts, beliefs, and assumptions. Epistemic insight is important because it allows us to make sense of complex situations and form opinions based on personal knowledge rather than relying solely on external sources. When applied to issues of social justice, epistemic insight can help people recognize and respond to instances of systemic oppression, such as racism, sexism, and ableism.
A person with disabilities may use their epistemic insight to highlight the barriers they face in accessing public spaces, leading to a discussion about universal design and inclusion.
Lived experience can provide moral authority and epistemic insight against institutionalized norms and oppression. It offers a unique perspective that challenges established ways of thinking and encourages critical reflection on how power operates in society. By valuing lived experience, we can create more inclusive and equitable environments where everyone's voices are heard and respected.
How does lived experience constitute a source of moral authority and epistemic insight against institutionalized norms and oppression?
The lived experience can be considered as an important source for morality and knowledge that goes beyond the formal structure of institutions. It is because individuals' personal experiences and perceptions shape their understanding of the world around them and give rise to different forms of social and cultural constructions. Thus, when people share their stories, they provide information about how institutionalized norms and practices affect their lives and create systems of power imbalance.