Public discourse on parenting by people with ID in Austria

Belonging can be experienced through home and family, which have always been diverse settings, but only more recently has family diversity become a mainstream subject – discussed and displayed in media, politics and society. Whilst diversity has become a trope for the modern family, many women and men with ID in Austria are still being discriminated concerning reproductive choices and parenting. This presentation is based on empirical findings from a multi-perspective dissertation in the field of social pedagogy and inclusion.

Aim

To gather insights into present public discourse about parenting with ID in Austria and its’ meaning for subjectification processes of parents with ID.

Method

Discourse analysis of internet comments and interpretative phenomenological analysis of interview data.

Results

Parenting by people with ID is, according to public discourse, still a controversially discussed subject in Austria. Some professionals are however, aware of prejudice and stereotypes marginalising parents with ID.

Conclusion

For social inclusion as well as adequate parenting support, public and professional awareness is required, especially in the context of Austria’s rather recent history of preventing reproduction and parenting by people with ID. Further research is needed on (prevented) possibilities for women and men with ID to become parents and raise their children.