Women's experiences of informal street trading and well-being in Cape Town, South Africa

There is currently a paucity of literature exploring the experiences of women on the autism spectrum. It is imperative research is conducted to capture the experiences of women on the autism spectrum and ensure appropriate support is provided to this cohort. Drawing upon a social constructionist framework, this qualitative research study sought to understand how psychological and socio-cultural constructions of autism spectrum condition and gender influence the well-being of women on the autism spectrum. Eight participants engaged in a semi-structured interview, with thematic analysis conducted to demonstrate the impact of gender roles and social expectations on the women’s identity and autism spectrum condition expression. The research highlighted the changing understandings of autism spectrum condition across a woman’s lifespan and the process and impact of resisting hegemonic autism spectrum condition categorisation. The findings demonstrate that social constructions of gender and stereotypical understandings of autism spectrum condition, which prioritise a deficit, medical model, have significant consequences for women’s well-being and subjectivity. The women experienced challenging formative years, but with diagnosis and the evolution and acceptance of their identities, they were able to resist negative narratives of autism spectrum condition, embrace their strengths and develop adaptive coping strategies. It is hoped this article generates insights for societal and clinical recognition to better support women on the autism spectrum. Lay abstract Most autism spectrum condition research addresses the neurological and biological causes of autism spectrum condition, focusing upon deficits associated with autism spectrum condition and behavioural interventions designed to minimise these deficits. Little is known about the lived experiences of adult women on the autism spectrum and how they navigate social expectations around gender, autism spectrum condition and gendered understandings of autism spectrum condition. The lived experiences of eight women on the AS will be shared here, with attention to how gendered expectations influence women’s experiences of autism spectrum condition, their sense of self and well-being. Findings showed these women struggled to reconcile the expectations of others, particularly early in life. The women had difficultly conforming to stereotypical ideals of femininity, yet as they aged, they felt less need to conform, valuing their unique style and behaviours. The women also rejected deficit-oriented descriptions of autism spectrum condition generated by the medical community, preferring to focus on their strengths and unique characteristics. It is hoped this article helps psychologists and the wider community to understand and meet the needs of women on the AS.

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The Quest for Acceptance: A Blog-Based Study of Autistic Women's Experiences and Well-Being During Autism Identification and Diagnosis

Autism in Adulthood ◽

10.1089/aut.2021.0016 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Miriam Harmens ◽

Felicity Sedgewick ◽

Hannah Hobson

Keyword(s):

Well Being ◽

Women’S Experiences ◽

Women's Experiences

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Women's Experiences of Care During Pregnancy in a Continuity of Midwifery Care Project in Rural Sweden

International Journal of Childbirth ◽

10.1891/ijcbirth-d-20-00048 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 131-144

Author(s):

Ingegerd Hildingsson

Keyword(s):

Antenatal Care ◽

Emotional Health ◽

Well Being ◽

Models Of Care ◽

Midwifery Care ◽

Women’S Experiences ◽

Women's Experiences ◽

Care Project ◽

The Impact ◽

Cluster 2

BACKGROUNDIn antenatal care, health checkups, information, and support is provided to women. Midwifery continuity models of care provide women access to evidence-based care.OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study was to evaluate women's experiences of pregnancy and antenatal care in a continuity of midwifery care project, as well as to gauge the impact the project had on the women's emotional well-being and satisfaction.METHODThis was a cohort study of 226 women enrolled in a continuity of care project in rural Sweden. Profiles of the women were created based on levels of depressive symptoms, worries, fear of birth, and sense of coherence. Data was collected through questionnaires. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated between the clusters for the explanatory variables.RESULTWomen in the two clusters differed in some background characteristics. Women in Cluster 2 had more visits to a doctor. They also received more counseling due to fear of birth and viewed the number of midwives as “too many.” They were less satisfied with the medical, emotional, and overall aspects of their antenatal care. Perceived health, preparedness for birth, and parenthood were rated lower by women in Cluster 2.CONCLUSIONThis study found that women's assessment of their antenatal care was associated with their emotional health. Negative feelings toward changes in pregnancy were often found in women with poorer emotional health, and these women reported being less prepared for birth and parenthood. Thus, it is important to identify women with emotional distress and to provide them additional support and continuity.

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Subjective Well-Being of Adolescent Boys Living in Single-Mother Households in a Cape Town Suburb, South Africa

Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences ◽

10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n23p2017 ◽

2014 ◽

Author(s):

Olaniyi Bojuwoye

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Single Mother ◽

Cape Town ◽

Well Being ◽

Subjective Well Being ◽

Adolescent Boys

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Unfounded Sexual Assault: Women’s Experiences of Not Being Believed by the Police

Journal of Interpersonal Violence ◽

10.1177/0886260520978190 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 088626052097819

Author(s):

Jodie Murphy-Oikonen ◽

Karen McQueen ◽

Ainsley Miller ◽

Lori Chambers ◽

Alexa Hiebert

Keyword(s):

Sexual Assault ◽

Police Officers ◽

Well Being ◽

Analysis Data ◽

Sexual Assaults ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Sexual Assault Survivors ◽

Women’S Experiences ◽

Women's Experiences ◽

The Impact

One in four women will experience sexual assault in their lifetime. Although less than 5% of sexual assaults are reported to law enforcement, one in five cases reported to police are deemed baseless (by police) and therefore coded as “unfounded.” Police officers are in a unique position to act as gatekeepers for justice in sexual assault cases, given their responsibility to investigate sexual assault reports. However, high rates of unfounded sexual assaults reveal that dismissing sexual violence has become common practice amongst the police. Much of the research on unfounded sexual assault is based on police perceptions of the sexual assault, as indicated in police reports. Women’s perspectives about their experiences with police are not represented in research. This qualitative study explored women’s experiences when their sexual assault report was disbelieved by the police. Data collection included open-ended and semi-structured interviews with 23 sexual assault survivors. Interviews covered four areas including the sexual assault, the experience with the police, the experience of not being believed, and the impact on their health and well-being. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and entered into NVIVO for analysis. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s analytic method, resulting in the identification of four themes, including, (a) vulnerability, (b) drug and alcohol use during the assault, (c) police insensitivity, and (d) police process. The women in this study who experienced a sexual assault and reported the assault to police were hopeful that police would help them and justice would be served. Instead, these women were faced with insensitivity, blaming questions, lack of investigation, and lack of follow-up from the police, all of which contributed to not being believed by the institutions designed to protect them. The findings from this research demonstrate that police officers must gain a deeper understanding of trauma and sensitive communication with survivors of sexual assault.

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