Competing intergenerational perspectives of living with albinism in Kenya and their implications for children’s lives

Abstract

Vicious attacks on persons with albinism for rituals and subsequent lobbying by adults led to recognition of albinism as a disability in Kenya. The disability frame informed policies and programmes developed to safeguard the welfare of persons with albinism. Using generationing as a theoretical lens, this article explores how generational relationships mediate children’s experiences of living with albinism in the context of harmful cultural practices, disability politics and adult-defined activism. Three social institutions which structure generational interactions – the family, the school and the state – are analysed. Findings suggest that generation is a productive force with important implications for childhood experiences and policy-making.

Keywords

Albinism children with albinism generationing Kenya skin disability

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