Self-advocacy in Sweden - impact on identity and social relations

• Aim: In recent years an increased number of adults with intellectual disability in Sweden have been organized in self-advocacy groups since they no longer accept the perceived subordinate role as a disabled person in society. The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of the importance of being a member in a self-advocacy group and what impact it had on the members' daily life, relationships, self-determination and identity.Method: An interpretative approach was used to analyze data from interviews with 26 participants in four different groups. The semi-structured interviews were supplemented with eight interviews conducted with support workers, focus-group interviews, observations during meetings and document reviews.Findings: The findings suggest that the participants' engagement in a self-advocacy group is meaningful in several but varies ways. An improved life-situation consisting of strengthened control in every-day life and increased self-confidence are of great importance, but equally important is the perceived possibility to help others and make a difference in their lives. Self-advocacy is primarily understood in terms of achieved independence and social connections within the group, but also as influencing outsiders' attitudes.Conclusions: The self-advocacy movements indicate a significant change in society and are important for the target group as well as for shaping future support and treatment. 

Ämnesord

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Annan samhällsvetenskap -- Övrig annan samhällsvetenskap (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Other Social Sciences -- Other Social Sciences not elsewhere specified (hsv//eng)

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