Project Director

Guo, Zibin, 1961-

Department Examiner

Cummiskey, Julia

Department

Dept. of Sociology, Anthropology, and Geography

Publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Place of Publication

Chattanooga (Tenn.)

Abstract

Albinism is a genetic condition that often intersects at disability and perceived notions of race; this double-stigmatization has proved problematic for people with albinism living in Africa, who not only appear physically different from others in their community but are also commonly regarded as ontologically different. Individuals with albinism in Africa undergo frequent challenges throughout their lifetime that significantly shape their identities. This process of identity formation begins in early childhood and is greatly impacted by unequal access to healthcare and schooling, harmful rumors and mythologies surrounding the condition’s origins, violence, workplace discrimination, income inequality, and many other factors. In contrast to Erving Goffman’s theory of spoiled identity, many African people with albinism facing the double-stigmatization of race and ability have reclaimed their identities in the midst of adversity and live happy and successful lives. This analysis of over twenty sources further explores the socio-cultural aspects of albinism in Africa; the majority of existing research is medical or biological in nature.

Acknowledgments

I want to thank my thesis committee, the anthropology department, and the Honors College of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Additionally, I am grateful for the unwavering love and support from my family and friends.

Degree

B. A.; An honors thesis submitted to the faculty of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Bachelor of Arts.

Date

5-2021

Subject

Albinos and albinism -- Africa; Identity (Psychology); Stigma (Social psychology)

Keyword

Africa; albinism; disability; identity; stigma

Discipline

Social and Cultural Anthropology

Document Type

Theses

Extent

[i], 34 leaves

DCMI Type

Text

Language

English

Rights

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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