The edge of diversity: (Re)producing dis/ability in terms of parentin...

Every child has the right to be cared for by his or her parents, as far as possible (UN-CRC, article 7) and therefore belongs with them. Despite people with disabilities being entitled to parenthood, to the same extent as citizens labelled as non-disabled (UN-CRPD, article 24), parents with ID are overly engaged with child protection, according to international research. Contrary to celebrating human diversity, discrimination based on normativity, both regarding parenting competence and disability, might be responsible. This presentation draws from empirical findings from a multi-perspective doctoral dissertation.

Aim

To understand links between normative and ableist constitutions of parenting and the label of ID, as well as outlining perceived edges of diversity.

Method

Discourse analysis of internet comments and interpretative phenomenological analysis of interviews with parents with ID and people supporting them.

Results

Discursive constitutions of parenting rely on traditional gender roles, idealistic standards and abstract concepts of independence, ignoring that any parent depends on others. People with ID are viewed as dependent and therefore unfit parents.

Conclusion

Ableist perspectives on parenting by people with ID intertwine with normative definitions of parenting in general. More flexible concepts of parenting and dis/ability are needed to adequately support diverse families bringing up their children.