If not the Disability, then what? Barriers to Reclaiming Sexuality Following Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Human sexuality has been medicalized and largely reduced to its physical components. This has led to a focus on the performative part of sexuality, and to a lack of interest in its social component. Men with spinal cord injury often report an unsatisfying sexual life, with limited chances to express their sexuality. This study shows that sociocultural barriers may be as disabling as physical impairment. The participants of this qualitative study felt that several barriers compromised their right to a satisfying sexual life, including certain social beliefs and attitudes (e.g. social disapproval and exclusive notion of sexuality), lack of employment, inappropriate personal assistance and inaccessibility among others. Impairment per se was not viewed as a barrier, since the new situation assumed status of normality. It is suggested that changes in education as well as the removal of physical barriers may positively influence societal attitudes and make sexuality more ''accessible'' to disabled people.

Masculinity lost: a systematic review of qualitative research on men with spinal cord injury

“…42 Data analysis included narrative analysis, [42][43][44][45] grounded theory 46,47 and thematic analysis. 48,49 Studies were carried out under the auspices of sports psychology, social work, anthropology and occupational therapy. A brief summary of each is followed by an integrative, thematic review of the impact of SCI on masculinity.…”

“…48,49 Prevailing societal attitudes about dominant masculinities and asexuality of those with impairments is considered to operate as external barriers to sexual expression for the disabled, while the focus on performative excellence threatens masculine identity. The loss of social power, independence and traditional male traits is described as 'a metaphorical castration' .…”

“…The loss of social power, independence and traditional male traits is described as 'a metaphorical castration' . 49 Dominant societal values regarding masculinity, sexuality and disability created internalised oppression, and a submerging of male status by impairment and asexualisation.…”

“…I felt like being castrated, emasculated..' 48 'an issue that bothers me, when I have to ask a girl to help me with taking off my pants, because manhood is directly associated with having sex, doing.' 49 'the body beautiful image makes me feel bitter and resentful' 49 'I'm certainly not going to give in and be weak or touchy feely and all feminised by the whole thing...I've got balls and I'll fight this' 44 'will do everything to return, I will give everything, you know, to make a step on my own legs'. 42 'To this day I fought, I fight, and I will continue to fight' 42 'I'm gonna fight as long as I can fight' 47 'I do think that I'll make a comeback and walk again at some point in time.…”

“…42 'To this day I fought, I fight, and I will continue to fight' 42 'I'm gonna fight as long as I can fight' 47 'I do think that I'll make a comeback and walk again at some point in time. I won't stop fighting until I can do that....I could never give up or stop fighting 'cos that again would be like saying I am a failure and really a bit of a wimp, not a proper man' 44 'I look at it all as something that will be fixed' 45 'It's like sport, disability is an enemy that I must beat' 44 'one long battle against the body until medicine finds a cure and I can walk again' 44 'I am the same, I am still John... the only thing is, my wings are now trimmed' 49 'I want to challenge other people and draw attention on me and I really do make a point of getting everybody talking with me' 49 'I've come to think of my body as part of me and I accept that it doesn't do things that it could in the past' 44 'I've been reborn, and have become a better person since becoming disabled' 44 'I had to get out of that masculine thing if I wanted to move on....I'm secure enough now to reject this masculine crap' 45 'I've a new lease of life. I feel as if I have been reborn, starting all over again' 45 'Its an opportunity to explore yourself and become a better person' 44 'I was hiding behind masculinity beforehand' 45 'The satisfaction I get now is of a different kind and it can sometimes be more intense than the one I had before' 48 Systematic review of masculinity and spinal cord injury M Nolan…”