Cultural Perspectives on Disability in Asian and African Continents

What is it about?

This chapter explores how cultural beliefs, traditions, and social structures in Asian and African societies shape perceptions, attitudes, and responses toward disability. It examines historical, religious, and community-based frameworks that influence how disability is understood, including concepts of stigma, inclusion, family roles, and community responsibility. The chapter highlights both the challenges, such as discrimination and exclusion and the culturally rooted strengths, including communal support systems and indigenous practices that promote well-being. By providing a comparative analysis, the chapter offers valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners working to design culturally sensitive disability policies and interventions in these regions.

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Photo by Grab on Unsplash

Photo by Grab on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Understanding disability through the lens of cultural context is essential for developing effective, inclusive, and respectful policies and interventions, especially in diverse regions like Asia and Africa where cultural beliefs deeply influence how disability is perceived and addressed. Without recognizing these cultural frameworks, efforts at disability inclusion risk being ineffective or even counterproductive. This chapter is important because it sheds light on the complex, often overlooked cultural factors shaping disability experiences in Asian and African societies, providing essential knowledge to guide the creation of more equitable, culturally sensitive approaches to disability rights, education, health care, and community support.

Perspectives