ALBINISM IN THE SOCIOPSYCHOLOGICAL DIMENSION: SOCIAL REPRESENTATIONS (CENTRAL CORE) ABOUT PEOPLE WITH ALBINISM AMONG HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS

Abstract

This study aimed to identify social representations of people with albinism among a sample of higher education students. The theoretical framework adopted was Jean-Claude Abric's structural approach to social representations. A total of 168 students participated in the study, distributed by age (Mean = 24.7%; SD = 3.9) and sex (Male = 35.7%; Female = 64.3%). The free word association technique was used for data collection. The data were processed using IRAMUTEq software, which generated a four-quadrant framework, identifying the likely central and peripheral core elements of the social representation. The results, obtained through prototypical analysis, indicate the relevance of central elements (quilombo, different, melanin, prejudice) and peripheral elements (sensitive, person, skin, disrespect). Therefore, it is concluded that the higher education students surveyed have a broad and accurate view of people with albinism. However, some people hold prejudiced views, reflected in terms like "ugly," "cursed," and others. We suggest further research into students'—and society's—perception of this congenital disorder.