Constructions of Sexuality and Disability: Implications for People with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Human sexuality is a product of cultural socialization. Studies in sexual psychology suggest that sexuality is constructed via the interaction of psychological and social processes within a particular culture. The way individuals express their sexuality is based on socially imprinted schemas which outline how they should sexually interact with others, with whom to interact (socially "appropriate" sexual partners), what sexual activities are socially permitted, where and when these activities can transpire and why it would benefit to act in accordance with these schemes. However, some of these schemes make it difficult for people with physical disabilities to live up to social expectations of beauty or behaviour. Notably, there has been relatively little research on how people with Cerebral Palsy construct their own sexuality and the salience of the socio-sexual schema which are involved in this process. The following discussion of constructions of sexuality and disability throughout history emphasize that sexual theory needs to be more cognizant of sexual agency as primary in the construction of sexuality with significant disability. Doing so highlights the importance of how people with significant disability articulate, understand and experience their sexuality. As with typical others, people with Cerebral Palsy are sexual agents and beings who empower themselves. As such, this monograph reviews; 1) historical constructions of sexuality and their implications for people with disabilities, particularly cerebral palsy, 2) the salience of public, interactional and private sexual schema in contemporary contexts and 3) what these constructions of sexuality may mean for how people with cerebral palsy experience and enjoy their sexuality.