Społeczny kontekst niepełnosprawności

The conception of the article is based on stigma theory by E. Goffmann. The process of stig- matization concerns the people, who are socially defined as different from the other members of the society. Stereotypical attitudes may cause that disabled people are perceived as physically inattrac- tive, helpless, weak and ill. These people are forced by society to accept and fulfil a definite nega- tive role and also to give up fulfilling of normal social roles. Disabled people face different forms of stigmatization, that occurs within family, institutions and community. Moreover – the direction of their socialization and social reactions to disability are the most important for shaping up the identi- ty of disabled people.