Stigma, Myth, Science, and Policy: The Case of Marriage Ban against Leprosy in China

• In Event: Societal Inputs and Policy Implementation in China

Abstract

Policy making process involves a multitude of factors and scientific rational sometimes is colored with stigma and myths within certain context. The marriage ban against people affected by leprosy was incorporated into the Marriage Law of China in 1950, lasted for over half a century, and was finally removed in 2001. Similar policies had also been made to keep male and female inmates apart in leprosy villages. All these policies and practices were found not supported by medical science on leprosy. This paper studies the political, social, and cultural context for the policy process of enactment, implementation, and repeal of the marriage ban against leprosy, through archives, interviews, and ethnographic field studies. The findings of this papers reveal that scientific rational can be used as a disguise of stigma, and deeply entrenched mythical beliefs, to suffice the political, social, and cultural expectations.

Author

• Zhanjie Si