Fyysisesti vammaisten naisten kertomukset äitiydestä: äitiysidentiteetin rakentumisen jännitteitä

Abstract

This dissertation study explored how physically disabled women constructed their maternal identity and agency in their narratives. The whole dissertation consisted of three sub-studies which were published in peer-reviewed articles. Overall, 16 physically disabled were interviewed for the study. The data were analyzed narratively. The findings illustrated how disabled women struggled with negative meanings and stigma related to disability, which caused tensions and conflicts in the construction of maternal identity. The disabled women negotiated and resisted their stigmatized identity as disabled mothers and drew heavily on the culturally dominant narrative of good motherhood in constructing a positive and competent identity and agency. The findings showed that motherhood and children became important factors when constructing identity and adapting to life changes, and thus disabled women could reconstruct an empowered maternal identity. According to this study, the relationship between disabled women’s motherhood and society is still tensioned. This suggests that it is important to recognize the diversity of motherhood and parenthood and the needs for support related to being a mother. Personal narratives could thus be used in peer support groups. Such groups might encourage disabled women to share their experiences with other mothers, help them acquire more information and find support for problems. In addition, these groups could help disabled women understand and approve of the uniqueness and difference of every mother.