Defining the Term “Handicap:” A Function of Sex,Race,Religion,and Geographic Location

Abstract

A sample of 100 subjects was characterized by sex, race (Caucasian-Mexican American), religion (affiliation-no affiliation), and geographic location (urban-rural). Subjects were given a questionnaire asking them to rank five groups of individuals they considered handicapped. Spearman rhos indicated that defining “handicap” differed significantly according to sex, race, religion, and geographic location. Males emphasized “lack of education,” while females stressed “deafness” and “birth defects.” Mexican Americans listed “minority” more frequently whereas Caucasian subjects placed more emphasis on “deafness” and “physical injury.” Subjects who had no religious affiliation were more concerned with “speech” and “minority” conditions. Urban subjects ranked the “minority” condition fifth while the rural group of subjects ranked the same condition tenth.

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