Socio-cultural and Religious Determinants of Attitudes: Impact on People with Disabilities in Delhi, India

Abstract

Inclusion and Disability is an ever-growing point of focus in the communities of India, particularly the urban spaces. The diversity and multicultural nature of communities see an interaction of a variety of factors that underwrites the approaches of society towards inclusion. This study presents the findings of a triangulation approach, which explored the effects that socio-cultural practices and religious beliefs have on the attitudes of communities towards disability. It questions the differences in outlook that people with physical and intellectual disability experience in the community. It places specific attention on understanding the relationship between the mindset and legislative influence on the quality of life that people with disabilities experience in urban spaces in India, with contextual variation. The paper concludes with an argument towards more tangible need to develop an understanding of inclusion, in terms of policy and legislation as well as examining the beliefs and mindset that determine these developments.