Exclusion sociale des enfants en situation de handicap mental en côte d’ivoire : pour une Ẻtude des dẺterminants du ph ẺnomЀne

This reflection is part of the context of the analysis of phenomena related to vulnerable people, particulary the social exclusion of children with intellectual disabilities. It aims to analyze the determinants of this phenomenon. From a theoretical point of view, the study is based on Erving Goffman’s stigma theory. Methodologically, it is based on a field survey consisting of semi-structured interviews with 140 people, before proceeding to their analysis. The tested sample was constructed using the nonprobability method and by reasoned choice. The data collected were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. In terms of results, it appears that social exclusion (isolation, neglect, discrimination) of children with intellectual disabilities finds its meaning in the negative perceptions that members of the living environment have of these children. A triple governmental action (Awareness of the population, Creation of conditions favoring the schooling of children with intellectual disabilities, capacity bulding of trainers (social workers, teachers)) would help to improve the situation of children with intellectual disabilities.