Abstract
In this chapter the authors reflect on the ability/possibility of qualitative research methods to enable persons with disability in the Global South to conceptualize disability and reflect on their lived experience. Disability studies theorists have recognized the importance of qualitative research methods in empowering persons with disabilities by lifting their voices. In this chapter we reflect on how research on disability in the Global South has been done. The chapter focuses on the case of persons with epilepsy and psychosocial disabilities (in Malawi) and persons with disabilities more generally (in Mozambique). Based on our own work as early-stage researchers, we reflect on our experience of engaging persons with disabilities as informants. The chapter highlights the role of culture and the legacy of colonialism as issues that researchers must deal with to ensure that disability studies in the Global South is at the service of those with disabilities and cease from engaging in predatory practices.
This study was partially funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement 814249. The content of this publication represents the views of the authors only and is solely their responsibility. The European Commission does not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information it contains.
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Notes
- 1.
This is not to say that quantitative research methodologies are unable to address issues of power. It is more to emphasize the ability of qualitative research methodologies to enable participants to analyze and communicate their perspective on the material conditions they are in.
- 2.
Normal patterns of conditions of life can be viewed in terms of eight different elements: 1. A normal rhythm of the day. 2. A normal rhythm of the week. 3. A normal rhythm of the year. 4. The normal experiences of the life cycle. 5. Normal respect for the individual and the right to self-determination. 6. The normal sexual patterns of one’s culture. 7. The normal economic patterns and rights of one’s society. 8. The normal environmental patterns and standards in one’s community (Perrin, 1999, citing Nirje, 1993).
- 3.
See the Concluding Observation of Rwanda, Senegal, and Niger.
- 4.
Local language of Southern Mozambique.
- 5.
A pseudonym.
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Manhique, J., Amos, A. (2022). Role of Culture and Legacy of Colonialism in Qualitative Research Methods with Persons with Disabilities in the Global South. In: Rioux, M.H., Viera, J., Buettgen, A., Zubrow, E. (eds) Handbook of Disability. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-1278-7_44-1
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