Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.31299/hrri.61.2.5

Relationship between people from the surrounding community and people with disabilities

Petar Šajfar orcid.org/0000-0003-0301-5980 ; Faculty of Law, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Stjepana Radića 13, Osijek, Croatia *
Arnella Beneš orcid.org/0009-0004-1373-537X ; Faculty of Law, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Stjepana Radića 13, Osijek, Croatia,
Klara Buzov orcid.org/0009-0004-1174-1231 ; Faculty of Law, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Stjepana Radića 13, Osijek, Croatia,

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

The relationships between people from the surrounding community and people with disabilities has always been complex, and specific differences can be seen with regard to whether one is considering entirely unknown or known/close individuals. These differences can be observed through the prism of various models of disability and theories such as the Contact Theory and Stereotype Content Model. The objective of this study was to examine the relationships between people from the surrounding community and people with disabilities. The research adopted a qualitative approach, and the data were collected using secondary data analysis. The units of analysis were 49 students’ reviews on their work with a total of 51 people with disabilities. The results show that unfamiliar people can exhibit increased attention and sensitivity to needs, as well as discomfort and inappropriate behaviour toward people with disabilities. Friends and acquaintances show predominantly positive behaviours toward people with disabilities, although certain ambivalences have also been observed. The relationship of family members and people with disabilities is mainly marked by acceptance and caregiving, which sometimes, alongside overprotection, could undermine the autonomy of people with disabilities. Obtained knowledge indicates how people from the surrounding community not only show remorse and provide the assistance that is stereotypically expected toward people with disabilities but also show a significantly layered and meaningful relationship that can be either positive, ambivalent, or quite negative.

Keywords

people with disabilities, reaction to disability, attitudes toward people with disabilities, social network, ethnographic research

Hrčak ID:

341845

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/341845

Publication date:

26.12.2025.

Article data in other languages: croatian

Visits: 785 *