Voices through the margins : a qualitative study exploring voice and marginality in the experiences of three women who have physical disabilities

This study investigates the lives of three women who have physical disabilities by exploring their individual constructions of voice and their experiences with marginality. Drawing on the work of Gilligan (1982, 1993), Belenky, Clinchy, Goldberger, andTarule (1986), hooks (1984, 1989, 1990), and Reinharz (1994), the research focuses on voice as a metaphor for the women’s personal identities. A metatheoretical definition of voice, based on knowledge (Belenky et al., 1986), expression (Reinharz, 1994), relationship (Gilligan, 1982, 1993), and resistance and transformation (Delpit, 1988; Freire, 1970/1993; Greene, 1990; hooks, 1984, 1989, 1990), was developed for application in this study.

The data were obtained through the use of qualitative research techniques, including three sources from each woman: (a) semistructured interviews, (b) constructions of life experiences, and (c) disability information. The findings are presented through the women’s narratives in three case studies.

The major themes described in these studies are:

1. Personal Identity Description-how each woman sees herself,
2. Personal Identity Construction-how each woman defines herself, and
3. Personal Identity Location-how each woman positions herself.

Each woman’s voice, grounded primarily in one aspect (e.g., knowledge, expression, and relationship), became resistant and transformative through her contexts of interaction. Coming to voice was a unique process for each woman, although there were striking similarities in the three women’s experiences.