Sexuality and Women With Learning Disabilities

by McCarthy, Michelle

• ISBN13: 9781853027307
• ISBN10: 1853027308
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-05-01
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Pub

Summary

In this study of women with mild and moderate learning disabilities, Michelle McCarthy investigates how these women experience their sexual lives. She discusses her findings in relation to the cultural forces which shape Western perceptions of sexuality, in relation to feminism, and in relation to theories and prejudices about learning disabilities. She also studies the impact of institutional and community settings on the sexuality of the women. Her findings, which are based on interviews with women with learning disabilities, suggest that they commonly find themselves engaging in sexual activity which is not to their liking and not of their choosing. A very high level of abuse was reported. In sex and Women with learning Disabilities McCarthy makes recommendations for policy and practice which will protect this vulnerable group, and advises on education, support and seeking justice for abused women.

Author Biography

Michelle McCarthy is a lecturer in Learning Disability at the Tizard Centre, University of Kent.

Table of Contents

Author's Acknowledgements	p. 7
Author's Note	p. 8
Foreword	p. 9
Introduction	p. 11
Perspectives on Sexuality and Sexual Violence	p. 17
Learning Disability - Ideologies and Sexuality	p. 41
Asking the Right Questions: Research Methodology and Methods	p. 80
The Sexual Lives of Women with Learning Disabilities: Research Findings	p. 120
What Does It All Mean?: Analysis and Discussion	p. 202
The Way Forward: Policy and Practice Recommendations	p. 230
Appendix: Interview Questions	p. 257
References	p. 261
Subject Index	p. 280
Author Index	p. 285
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