Cultural Perceptions And Beliefs About Disability

Perceptions of disability include beliefs about what causes disability, if it is transmitted and the cognitive reactions that encourage the stigmatization of individuals. Gender differentials of perceptions were detected through cultural behaviour, awareness and understanding of “normal” lifestyle. Normal can be defined here as conforming to the usual, regular or typical standards. In some communities, disability was and still is perceived as a very negative form of appearance and they always attached meaning to it. They alleged that maybe there was a cultural wrong that was done or it was a punishment for lack of accomplishing some cultural requirements.

The interview excerpts are referenced in the following manner:

(Male 1) An excess of beliefs about the causes and “transmission” of disability were revealed. The fear of transmission was evidently the main cause of concern. These fears were based on prevailing inaccurate beliefs. It is still commonly believed, that generational cycle is the main cause of transmission.

(Female 1) “the members of the society questioned my being married to their son”. This participant shared how her fellow women in the society scolded her. Along with fears of transmission, beliefs of how disability is caused play a significant role in generating stigma against affected individuals.

One very commonly known community in Kenya at some point believe that disability is a punishment for sins committed in a previous lifetime.

(Female 2)“I had been asking God that what did I do so he gave me this type of punishment”. If it is believed that the individuals and their families are responsible for their disabilities, because of sinful behaviour in a past life. We find that even in this 21^st century, there is seen to be some influence of such cultural beliefs in the way the society responds to disabled women. In such communities, people believe that there must have been sinful acts done by these women to bring disability upon themselves, rendering such individuals unattractive for marriage.