Factors Associated with Stigmatization

Sample Essay on Stigmatizing Factors 

People with developmental disabilities encounter stigma across the world, i.e., in developed and developing countries. Stigmatization has detrimental effects on people with developmental disabilities. It starts when differences are identified, often based on prejudices and stereotypes, and people are linked to undesirable characteristics. It is often accompanied by discrimination and is harmful to people’s health. Stigma is responsible for problems such as chronic stress and maladaptive behavior. People with developmental and intellectual disabilities worldwide encounter stigma that limits social inclusion. It also increases disparity with the general population. The stigmatization of people with developmental disabilities is a menace in society that needs to be addressed.

The first stigmatizing factor is misconceptions about what causes disability, i.e., religious and cultural beliefs. Misconceptions are beliefs, opinions, views, or ideas held by some people about a phenomenon, object, or person, usually not based on correct information, blatantly untrue, erroneous, or misunderstood. This reveals the misleading nature of misconceptions regarding a particular issue. There is a significant lack of understanding and awareness surrounding what causes disabilities. This is a major factor in the stigma encountered by people with disabilities worldwide. Misconceptions are usually fueled by insensitive and ill-informed media coverage perpetuating negative views. This illustrates the potential of media to contribute to a problem in society through insensitive, unverified, and ill-informed coverage. Religious and cultural beliefs about the causes of disability worsen stigma. Traditional beliefs are prevalent about what causes disability. Traditional animism includes misleading beliefs, for example, the belief that disability is punishment for immoral acts or the aftermath of witchcraft practiced by others. There are also Christian fatalism beliefs, for example, the belief that disability is due to God’s will. In developing countries, there are negative religious and cultural beliefs about the causes of disability relating to God’s punishment/fate, witchcraft, supernatural (demons/spirits), actions of the disabled person, actions of parents, and ancestors. For example, regarding ancestors, the belief is that disability results from an ancestral curse.

The second stigmatizing factor is misconceptions about the nature of disability. This implies that the absence of awareness and understanding of disability’s nature and people with it is a significant component in their experiencing stigma, discrimination, and abuse. Some common beliefs include people with disabilities being witches, their bodies having magical properties, they are contagious or bringing bad luck, not being able to report sexual abuse, not having normal relationships, and not contributing to society. For example, there is the misconception that people with disability cannot contribute anything. This shows there is the belief that such people are not in a position to contribute in any way to the good of the community and family. Disabled women have been regarded as inadequate carers compared to their non-disabled counterparts. This illustrates considerable politics of care, a problem that needs urgent addressing. There is also the assumption that people with disabilities are a burden. For instance, children with disabilities can be seen as incapable of living independent lives and are expected to depend on constant help from people who are not disabled. As a result, such children are seen as liabilities to the family and community at large. The result is the shaming of a family with a member with a disability.

The third stigmatizing factor is discriminatory legislation and policies. This shows the potential of policies and laws to promote harmful beliefs about disability. This stigmatizing factor is interesting because legislation and policies are expected to be humane and protect the rights of every person, including the disabled. This factor reinforces fear and prejudice as far as disability is concerned. Countries can have policies and laws perpetuating discrimination and stigma against people with disabilities. For example, people with hearing or visual impairments are denied the chance to run for the presidency. Policies are needed to change attitudes toward people with disabilities. Employees should be instructed to comply with anti-discriminatory legislation.

The fourth stigmatizing factor is the lack of information about what causes disabilities. This illustrates that a lack of information on an issue such as disability can create a barrier in society. Sometimes, mothers are blamed for having children with disabilities despite impairments due to poor maternal health or lack of essential services for mothers during pregnancy. For example, you might hear that a woman has a disabled child because of eating snakes during pregnancy. Such a myth is odd, especially when the woman in question comes from an area without many snakes. Religion also contributes to how people interpret what it means to be disabled. For instance, depending on the region, a child with a disability may be seen as a punishment or gift from God. This highlights the reality that religion plays a role in how disability is interpreted in society.

In conclusion, the stigmatization of people with developmental disabilities is caused by various factors. It is also essential to note that stigmatization adversely affects people with disabilities. This calls for action to end stigmatization. For example, educational and interpersonal interventions can be used. Educational interventions against stigma can be effective in challenging stereotypes and misconceptions. Medical schools can develop core competencies for learners relating to caring for persons with disabilities. Flaws in existing research should also be addressed. For example, people with disabilities should not be excluded from research with the excuse that they are ineligible to participate. Discriminatory policies and laws should be abolished to protect people with developmental disabilities. There should also be efforts to ensure adequate and accurate information about what causes disabilities. With such interventions, the stigmatization of people with developmental disabilities will be prevented and eradicated.