Exclusion practices of families with mentally disabled persons: The example of Bitlis province

This study analyzes the social exclusion practices that families with mentally disabled individuals are exposed to from a sociological perspective, specifically in Bitlis province. Considering that mentally disabled individuals cause various social, cultural and economic difficulties not only at the individual level but also at the family level, understanding the exclusionary attitudes and mechanisms that these families face is of great importance. In addition to the exclusion experiences experienced by families, the ways they cope with this process were also examined within the scope of the study. Qualitative research method was preferred in the study and semi-structured interview technique was used as the data collection tool. The universe of the study consisted of families with mentally disabled individuals living in Bitlis province; and the sample consisted of 17 participants selected from this universe. The data obtained from the interviews were evaluated with descriptive analysis method. As a result of the study, it was determined that the vast majority of families with mentally disabled individuals were excluded from social life, experienced ruptures in their relations with relatives and neighbors, and were subjected to social stigmatization. Families gradually withdraw into themselves in the face of negative views and discourses from their environment and experience feelings such as embarrassment and worthlessness. It has also been observed that the participation of family members in social life has decreased, economic burdens have increased, and care responsibilities have mostly been concentrated on mothers. However, it has been determined that some families try to cope with exclusion through mechanisms such as religious beliefs, fate and solidarity relationships. Research findings reveal that families with mentally disabled individuals are exposed to not only individual but also structural and social exclusion.