Paradoxes of Inclusion and Exclusion

Disability in Traditional African Religions

Bibliographic Data

ID22112404
AuthorsJohn Ringson (0000-0003-2422-4319, Sol Plaatje University, corresponding author), Nomatter Sande (0000-0002-4177-8391, University of Glasgow)
Year2025
Pages1-20
Publication date2025-08-29
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Disability & Religion (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2331-2521 • E-ISSN: 2331-253X
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/23312521.2025.2549874
OpenAlexW4413830206
LanguageEN
References cited24

Traditional African Religions (TARs) play a vital role in the lives of millions of people in Africa, shaping their cultural, spiritual, and social identities. However, the experiences of people with disabilities within TARs remain largely unexplored. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by examining the paradoxes of inclusion and exclusion faced by people with disabilities in TARs in Africa, with a special focus on Zimbabwe and South Africa. This qualitative desktop and critical discourse analysis study analyzed existing literature and primary data from online sources. The study employed a critical discourse analysis framework to examine how TARs construct and respond to disability. The study reveals that TARs exhibit both inclusive and exclusionary tendencies toward people with disabilities. While some TARs promote inclusive practices and recognize the spiritual agency of people with disabilities, others perpetuate stigma, marginalization, and exclusion. The study highlights the need for greater awareness, understanding, and inclusion of people with disabilities within TARs. It recommends that TAR leaders and communities promote inclusive spiritual practices, challenge stigma and marginalization, and recognize the spiritual agency and contributions of people with disabilities

Inclusion–exclusion principle · Political science · Politics · Sociology · Disability Rights and Representation · Family and Disability Support Research · Gender Studies · Law · Migration, Identity, and Health

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