Social Norms, Disability and Inclusive Latrines: Narratives of Social Exclusion

Abstract

This study was carried out to explore the social norms affecting Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and their access to defecation facilities in rural settings. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with families having PwD member/s in the family. The studty found that PwDs suffered from incontinence, loss of privacy and stigma in the absence of inclusive latrines. The caregivers and families of PwDs are financially deprived and have to struggle for medicines and other necessities on a daily basis. Accessing latrines is a distant dream for them. The Swachh Bharat Mission has failed to mainstream physical impairment through inclusive latrines and has not brought about any significant change in social norms that have excluded the PwDs.

Keywords: disability, in-depth interviews, inclusive latrines, social norms, open
defecation, social exclusion

DOI: 10.32444/IJSW.2022.83.3.423-438