Representation of people with physical and mental disabilities in Russian folklore

Folklore is supposed to be a regulator of the collective unconscious and one of the main sources of social representations and social norms of behavior. Consequently, the conducted analysis of the representation in folklore of people with physical and mental disabilities can explain, to some extent, the steady attitude towards this category of people as “unfit”, incapable to perform social functions. However, in the Russian folk tradition, this does not make them “irrelevant” in society. This is reflected in the phenomenon of “foolishness for Christ”, which was characterized only in Russian Orthodox culture. The “healing” of characters in Russian folklore, as a rule, occurs with the help of Divine powers, or thanks to the help of other characters. This emphasizes the importance of others in the lives of people with physical and mental disabilities. This also correlates with success of their lives with others, which is consistent with the basic values of Russian collectivist culture. Nevertheless, the same sociocultural characteristics can contribute to the formation of a consumer position, formed by the disabled’ expectations on the idea that their surrounding is able to solve their personal and social problems. The understanding of that close relationship with other people makes the process of interaction between disable people with the social environment extremely important. Thus, in psychological research it becomes relevant to study their relationship because they primarily influence the success of training and socio-psychological adaptation in society.