Attitudes towards inclusion in the context of ‘intellectual disability’: Demographic characteristics of attitude types and how social privileges might lead to denying inclusion

Abstract

The paper at hand presents results of the online survey "Attitude(s) towards inclusion" which inquires the attitudes of the German population towards inclusion in various life contexts (i.e., recreation, work, residence) with regard to people with ‘intellectual disabilities’1. Extensive data were generated from a representative sample (n= 3695) which was analyzed using hierarchical cluster analysis and one-factorial analyses of variance. Here, we examine selected results that focus on the demographic parameters that influence people’s attitudes towards inclusion. Overall, we found a mostly positive and supportive attitude, especially among older demographic groups, female persons, persons with regular contact with people with ‘(intellectual) disabilities’, and voters of socially progressive parties2. Notably, a small but distinct demographic group was identified that was rather unsympathetic towards inclusion. Significant characteristics of this group included being male, being well-educated and favoring socially conservative politics. The ensuing discussion implies that perhaps the negative attitudes towards inclusion held by this group are intertwined with the issue of social privileges.

Keywords

• inclusion
• attitudes
• intellectual disability
• social privileges
• disability