Cultural Conceptions of Disability and its Cures in Rural Haryana, India

This paper elucidates the problem of disability from an anthropological perspective by locating it in the social context of rural areas in Haryana in North West India. The study argues that disability is culturally constructed and socially negotiated as people attribute meanings to certain conditions which construe persons as ’abled’ or ’disabled.’ There are inbuilt cultural mechanisms available in form of coping up strategies within the structural framework of community. Disabled are culturally conceived to be incomplete but not necessarily redundant. Disability is conceived primarily in terms of effects of Karma and fate and often attributed to supernatural powers, spirits etc. Remedial efforts are made on a ’hit and trial’ basis, trying out every possible accessible and affordable cure. The economic status and social network of an individual plays a greater role than the caste status per se. The effort is towards finding a cure and but not rehabilitation. Disability might be totally ignored lest it comes in way of smooth functioning of everyday life. Management of disability in the context of a community is often related to a crisis situation and it does not take a permanent order.

Speaker

Dr. Nilika Mehrotra, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi

Organisers

Department of Social Sciences
French Institute of Pondicherry

Venue

Jawaharlal Nehru Conference Hall
French Institute of Pondicherry
11, Saint Louis Street
Pondicherry - 605 002