The meanings of disability-related activities and disability identities: A qualitative analysis of narratives of people with physical disabilities in Japan

Abstract

The study examines the meanings of disability-related activities narrated by people with physical disabilities in Japan based on the narrated disability identity. Semi-structured interviews are conducted with 11 Japanese participants with physical disabilities. The interview transcription is analyzed with a qualitative analysis method developed in Japan, and six categories are obtained. The participants narrate their daily disability-related experiences in a social and political context. The daily activities contribute to other people with disabilities and the individuals themselves. Allowing support reflects the modesty norm in Japan and allows individuals to maintain their regular new relationship. The participants attending disability-related activities might consider themselves mediators between their predecessors and successors because they facilitate young people with disabilities, allowing them to succeed in their disability-related activities. The disability community is diverse, and these individuals do not maintain relationships with those who sustain similar disabilities; instead, they maintain diversity within their community.

Keywords

Disability identity disability culture narrative qualitative inquiry Japan

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