Abstract
Constructions of sexuality by people with cerebral palsy (within contemporary contexts) are informed, in part, by historical constructions of impairment and sexual behavior. For instance, prior to the twentieth century sexual activity for pleasure had been ignored, vilified, and undermined through segregation, institutionalization, and eugenics (Ross and Rapp, 1981). As such, the acceptance and representation of sexuality for people with disabilities was largely absent. Constructing sexuality and disability in this way continues within contemporary settings and include a number of public factors worthy of special consideration. Open discourse about the public factors that influence constructions of sexuality for people with disabilities brings awareness of the barriers, which may inhibit sexual participation and prompt awareness and understanding. In doing so, sexual expression, pleasure, intimacy, and ultimately satisfaction are acknowledged as essential to the formation of inclusive public constructions of disability. As such, this chapter qualitatively explores public factors and public sexual schema that may influence contemporary constructions of sexuality and disability for people living with cerebral palsy.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Development and the Politics of Human Rights |
Editors | Scott Nicholas Romaniuk, Marguerite Marlin |
Place of Publication | U.S. |
Publisher | CRC Press |
Pages | 223-248 |
Number of pages | 26 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781498707077 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781498707060 |
Publication status | Published - 2016 |
Keywords
- sex
- people with disabilities
- cerebral palsy
- Canada
- Australia