Students’ attitudes towards disabled people in Albania: A mixed method study design

Mgr. Irma Semini

Master's thesis

Abstract:

The aim of this mixed methodology study design is to explore the attitudes of sociology students at Tirana University in Albania, in regard to disabled people. Eighty-two surveys conducted first, followed by eight qualitative interviews from the same sample are used for data collection and analysis. I offer a cultural sociological interpretation of the concept of disability based on students’ reflections on disability. I hypothesize that attitudes will differ based on religious affiliation, background and exposure to disability. The results reveal that there are no significant differences among students’ attitudes towards disabled people in regard to the variables under examination. In addition, my findings mirror the results reported by previous studies conducted in Albania. Limitations and implications for future research on students’ attitudes are discussed.

Keywords

disability, attitudes, mixed method design, cultural sociology, modes of incorporation

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 12. 5. 2014

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 10. 6. 2014
• Supervisor: doc. Bernadette Nadya Jaworsky, Ph.D.
• Reader: Mgr. Benjamin Jeremiah Vail, Ph.D.

Masaryk University

Faculty of Social Studies

Master programme / field:
Sociology / Sociology (Eng.)