Perceiving “Otherness” of the Disabled in Social Context of Iran from Sociologists’ Perspective

Document Type : Research

Authors

• Sahar Alizadeh Niri ¹
• Alireza Sadeghi ²
• Yousef Adib ³
• Mostafa Ghaderi ²

¹ PhD Student in Curriculum Planning, Department of Educational Sciences, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran

² Associate Professor, Department of Curriculum Studies, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran

³ Professor, Department of Curriculum Studies, Tabriz University, Tabriz, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22067/social.2023.75923.1157

Abstract

This study aimed to perceive the otherness of the disabled in the social context of Iran. The qualitative research was done using thematic analysis and obtained the ideas of sociology professors of Tehran universities. Using snowball sampling and considering data saturation principle, 13 professors were selected as participants. A semi-structured interview was run to collect the data. To determine the reliability of the interviews, they were reviewed by the participants and a supervising person commented on the interviews. Attride-Stirling thematic analysis method was used to analyze the data. The results were categorized under three themes: attitudinal barriers, physical barriers, and institutional barriers. The results showed that the disabled people have been less considered in the Iranian policy and planning system than other groups and minorities of the society. Their problems have not been recognized well, so the Iranian decision-making system needs policies and programs that assure the presence and active participation of the disabled. Without disabled people’ or their representative organizations’ active and equal participation, all development strategies and programs maintain the discrimination against disabled people. For the policies and programs to be effective, they should consider common cultural beliefs on disability in Iran. If we desire to take steps and solve the problem, the idea “disability as a defect or limitation” should be redefined as a unique characteristic of the disabled. Taking into consideration the role of educational institutions in socializing the next generation of citizens, schools can play a vital role in making a more just society, especially through multicultural education. The aim is introducing disability as a kind of cultural diversity, reducing differentiations between different groups, and strengthening intergroup relations.

Keywords

• Other
• Disability
• Karma
• Thematic Analysis

20.1001.1.29809452.1401.19.4.7.9

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