Physical Disability and Femininity: An Intersection of Identities

Abstract

AbstractIn this chapter, we will explore the intersections of physical disability and femininity. We look at how societies’ ideas about disability influence the way women with physical disabilities are viewed and view themselves as sexual beings. Using a combination of background literature and qualitative data from our photovoice study, we explore how social representations of femininity and expectations for women may negatively affect women with physical disabilities’ sense of themselves. We include pictures, written texts, and stories produced by some of the female participants from the project.