Exploring the representations of disabled women using the repertory grid technique

Abstract

This study aims at exploring the representations of disabled women held by disabled women themselves. Most of the literature available explores the representations of disabled people held by non-disabled people. However, this study aimed to fill a gap in the literature by shedding light on disabled women’s views. This study is underpinned by social representations theory, intersectionality theory and the social model of disability. The way disabled women are treated often stems from the representations held about them by society. The understanding of the representations of disabled women can have significant implications for the drafting of policies and the development of services for disabled women. The repertory grid technique was used to collect data from 14 disabled women aged between 28 and 63 years old. The constructs yielded from the repertory grid technique were analysed using an adaptation of the core-categorisation method. The constructs were grouped under three themes, which are: The Power of First Impressions, A Part of One’s Identity, and The Dichotomy of Career and Family. This study shows that participants care about body image and fashion, do not think that the impairment represents disabled women’s entire identity, and that having a career is important.