Abstract
It is commonplace, in our historical moment, to assume the inherent characteristics of people we label intellectually disabled makes them vulnerable to sexual abuse or exploitation. Drawing on the findings of a qualitative research project regarding the treatment of sexuality within a service for adults with intellectual disabilities in the Republic of Ireland, I take a very different approach. I argue that, suspicions, fears, and allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation are best understood as produced in, and by, the material-semiotic assemblage that both service providers and service users inhabit. In the most reductive terms possible, I am going to suggest that suspicions and allegations of sexual exploitation are continually produced within the disability service because the two social species (‘normal people’ and ‘people with intellectual disabilities’) that inhabit this material territory, and share its spaces, understand intimate relationships with and amongst people with intellectual disabilities through very different discursive lenses.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.