Illustrations of significant interpersonal relations of women with moderate to severe intellectual disability, attending an Environmental Self-Care Institution

This article presents selected fragments of an analysis within a wider research project conducted for an unpublished master’s thesis. To expose threads relevant for the subject, it focuses on categories of significant interpersonal relations, created by examined women. Each of the analytical aspects was associated with an idea of gender identity, as the essential component of one’s social identity. Selection of an individual in-depth interview, as well as techniques of semi-structured interview and qualitative observation allowed to maintain the focus on subjective perception of formed (forming) ties, emotional basis of mentioned interactions and their reflections in individual trajectories. Conclusions outline author’s thoughts on some of advantages, as well as risks associated with attending the Environmental Self-Care Institution. The article ends with a personal reflection on some of the perpetuating sociocultural templates – mainly related to the constructs of gender, disability and relations of care-taking/care-giving.

This article presents selected fragments of an analysis within a wider research project conducted for an unpublished master’s thesis. To expose threads relevant for the subject, it focuses on categories of significant interpersonal relations, created by examined women. Each of the analytical aspects was associated with an idea of gender identity, as the essential component of one’s social identity. Selection of an individual in-depth interview, as well as techniques of semi-structured interview and qualitative observation allowed to maintain the focus on subjective perception of formed (forming) ties, emotional basis of mentioned interactions and their reflections in individual trajectories. Conclusions outline author’s thoughts on some of advantages, as well as risks associated with attending the Environmental Self-Care Institution. The article ends with a personal reflection on some of the perpetuating sociocultural templates – mainly related to the constructs of gender, disability and relations of care-taking/care-giving.