Superstitions and Intellectual Disability: Local Discourses of Science and Religion in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Abstract

Superstitions normally occupy important position in human societies. They exist in almost all societies with different degree and frequency depending upon their level of development. Like other things and events, they also define and manage intellectual disability. To understand the association of intellectual disability and superstitions, a qualitative study was carried out in District Peshawar and Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The study found that mostly the females (mothers) were more superstitious as compared to males (fathers). Their superstitious nature was found due to their extreme culturally required attachment, social pressure and ignorance of science and religion of Islam. Furthermore, the poor parents were more inclined to practicing superstitious practices and beliefs. The economically marginalized parents were mostly illiterate and ignorant of the latest medical therapies and above all they were unable to afford the medical expenses incurred by the medical therapy. In addition, such available practices and beliefs were found as an effective immediate psychotherapy for the parents who felt helpless to deal with the problem. Therefore, the available practices and beliefs known to them or recommended by the relatives and neighbors such as wearing amulets in their necks with forbidden words, chanting of spells and approaching shrines, provided them a hope of recovery.