Gender And Disability: An Intersectional Analysis Of Experiences Of Ten Disabled Women In Kwazu-Natal

Abstract

The study adopted the intersectional approach in exploring socially constructed stereotypes and prejudices against disabled women, and the influence of these on their self-concept and gender-identity. Ten women between the ages of 22-35 years, drawn from the four major ethnic groups in Kwazulu-Natal province of South-Africa (White, Indian, Coloured, African), participated in the study. Data were collected through in-depth face-to-face interviews. Findings revealed that the disabled woman is marginalized and confronted with triple jeopardy of being female, disabled, and in a developing nation. Social stereotypes, discrimination and prejudices negatively influence her self-concept, her gender identity, and her economic self-sufficiency.