Denied Inclusion for Prejudiced Women

Abstract

Women are subject of stereotypical discrimination that disables their agency for action. Women with intellectual disabilities are double discriminated compared to non-disabled women and live in a stage of denied relationships in community. This article argues that the situation of women with disabilities is worsened by the lack of social network that limits the access to relationship. The research has made use of qualitative methodology to analyse the characteristics of the social networks that facilitate the social integration and community participation for women with intellectual disabilities. The semi-structured interviews yielded information about the aspects of social networks that enhance effective participation and boost wellbeing for women with intellectual disabilities. The research revealed that women with intellectual disabilities lack the social relationship and social network support for independent living. Disabled women’ opportunities for social inclusion and relationship are limited by environmental factors that decrease participation. Environmental agents influence social exclusion and deny women the basic structure for social relationships. Environmental aspects address behavioural adjustment which compensates for the shortcomings of intellectual functioning, by affecting the ability of women with intellectual disabilities to better cooperate with environment. DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2014.v3n1p129