An Interdisciplinary Social Science Analysis of Culture, Psychology, Economics, Government Policy, History, and Social Inclusion in Disability Studies: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Disability is a multidimensional phenomenon influenced by cultural, psychological, economic, political, historical, and social factors that collectively shape the lived experiences of people with disabilities. This systematic review aimed to synthesize interdisciplinary evidence on the role of culture, psychology, economics, government policy, history, and social inclusion in disability studies while identifying key research trends and future directions. The review followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, and studies were identified through comprehensive searches of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar. Following the application of predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 12 peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2025 were included in the qualitative synthesis. The findings indicate that cultural beliefs and stigma continue to influence social acceptance, psychological well-being, and community participation. Economic inequality and limited employment opportunities remain major contributors to poverty and social exclusion, while inconsistent policy implementation restricts access to education, healthcare, and public services. Historical analyses demonstrate a progressive transition from medical to rights-based models of disability, emphasizing equality, accessibility, and participation. Overall, the evidence highlights the need for integrated, interdisciplinary approaches that combine cultural awareness, inclusive governance, economic empowerment, and community engagement to improve disability outcomes. Future research should prioritize longitudinal and comparative studies to strengthen evidence-based policies and promote sustainable social inclusion for people with disabilities.