조선시대 장애 복지법과 자립 정책

Abstract

This paper is to lay the historical foundation for correctly interpreting the history of disability in the Joseon Dynasty. In particular, after examining the Welfare of Disabilities Act of the Joseon Dynasty through 『Gyeonggukdaejeon』, the policy of self-reliance, which is the basic way of survival for the disabled in the premodern period, and their various activities were outlined. In the Joseon Dynasty, disability was regarded as a simple ‘disease’, and according to the degree, it was classified into Janjil(殘疾, a lingering disease in the body), Pyejil(廢疾, an incurable disease), and Docjil(篤疾, a highly critical disease). Joseon institutionalized the concept of disability and welfare nationally to the extent that it was specified in the national law 『Gyeonggukdaejeon』. However, rather than providing unconditional welfare to all disabled people, it basically implemented an independence policy that allowed them to work in various ways according to their functions and live on their own. At the same time, by placing more importance on individual abilities than disabilities, an integrated society was created without distinction between disabilities and non-disabled people. Although there were differences according to their status, it was for that reason that the disabled in the Joseon Dynasty worked in various ways in society and formed an axis of history.