Quarterly Journal of Social Development (Previously Human Development)

Quarterly Journal of Social Development (Previously Human Development)

Semantic Analysis of Disability in the Semantic System of Accident Disabled People in Ahvaz City: Towards A Grounded Theory

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Foroud Moradi Sargholi 1
Esfandiar Ghafarinasab 2
Majid Movahed 3
Roghayeh Khosravi 4
1 PhD Student in Sociology, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
3 Professor, Department of Sociology, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
4 Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
10.22055/qjsd.2026.48834.3027
Abstract
The present study aims to analyze the meaning of disability in the semantic system of accident disabled people in Ahvaz city, investigates the lived experience of disabled people due to road accidents and tries to use qualitative methodology and contextual theory discover and analyze the semantic system and challenges of this group. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with a targeted sample of disabled people in Ahvaz city. Data analysis was done in three stages of open, central, and selective coding, and finally the research paradigm model was drawn. The findings of the research led to the discovery of thirteen central categories and one core category under the title "in the struggle of rethinking social position".The coding results showed that the semantic system of these people is based on background conditions such as physical limitations and lack of access to facilities, Causal conditions include human and technical factors in the occurrence of accidents, intervening conditions are such as the negative attitude of society and family, and they adopt coping strategies such as social isolation or efforts for empowerment. Also, the main consequences include psycho-emotional challenges, reduced self-confidence and limitations in social and economic participation. Based on the results of the research, it can be concluded that disability resulting from accidents is not only a physical condition, but also a complex concept with psychological, social and economic dimensions that requires more comprehensive approaches in policy making and planning. These findings have been compared with the review of similar studies and it has been emphasized that solving the existing challenges requires revising the protective laws, public education and changing the society's attitude towards disability.
Keywords
Disability
Accidents
Semantic System
Contextual Theory
Ahvaz City
Subjects
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Quarterly Journal of Social Development (Previously Human Development)
Volume 20, Issue 4 - Serial Number 80
Vol. 20, No. 4, Summer 2026
Summer 2026
Pages 143-170