Cultural beliefs causing social deficit among persons with disability: an anthropological study of twin cities-Rawalpindi and Islamabad

Abstract

Disability is considered as a physical or mental condition that limits a person's activities that are otherwise considered normal by the society. It has many social and cultural dimensions. In Pakistan, disability has been overly treated under the centuries old religious and cultural beliefs as opposed to physical and mental condition. The subject investigated in the research is disability, its impact and societies response. Since it is an Anthropological research, the parameters of discipline including methodology, treatment and analysis are chosen accordingly, following the research boundaries defined for such work. The primary focus is to examine the condition of disabled people in Pakistan and the impact of societal response hampering their social and economic growth, and development. The research was conducted in twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, and a number of target groups were identified, which include disabled people, their families, psychologists, teachers, opinion leaders and general population. Additionally six case studies were prepared which were strictly categorized into different socio-cultural and professional groups, so that a comprehensive and representative picture emerges. Participant observation technique was used to record responses under two broader categories; a) structured questionnaires for general population, disabled persons and stakeholders and, b) informal in-depth interviews for case studies and specific issues discussed with selected people. As a result of detailed study based on data gathered through primary and secondary sources, a dismal picture of social understanding of this very fragile part of the society emerges. It was reported by respondents through structured questions that society lacks basic understanding about disability and its consequences. They consider that it is either due to displeasure by God on somebody's sins, faults and disobedience or a symbol of divine blessing. Some consider it a result of black magic, evil eye or some environmental factors such as birth at the time of earthquake and sun and moon eclipse. A very few people reported that disability is a cause of malnutrition, some biological reason, blood related diseases transmitted through parents, inheritance and in-breeding through cousin marriages. In case studies and in-depth interviews a similar picture emerged. Both type of data complimented each other. Through case studies it was observed that disabled persons have a number of problems