The purpose of the research within this thesis, titled Perceptions of gender among people with intellectual disabilities, is to gather information on which heteronormative and binary social norms influence the perception of gender among people with intellectual disabilities, and how these norms, together with the intersectionality of disability and gender, shape their opportunities for self-determination. The study will also focus on the early socialization of these individuals and the recognition of non-heteronormative gender identities. Content-wise, the focus is on the social construction of gender norms, which are formed based on heteronormativity and gender binarism, and how they affect the formation of gender identity. Socialization is a key factor in transmitting messages about gender. Nevertheless, the gender of people with intellectual disabilities is often overlooked due to social prejudices. The research methods will include a partially standardized interview and the photovoice method, which will it easier for the participants to take part in the reasearch. The study will involve adult individuals with intellectual disabilities, selected through convenience sampling, aiming to include ten participants. The collected data will be analyzed using critical discourse analysis, with a focus on the use and choice of language within the given context. Through this research, I aim to create space for the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities, who are often overlooked in society, and to encourage reflection on overcoming ableist and heteronormative frameworks within society.
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