One of the perennial political/philosophical questions concerns whether it is ever justifiable for a third party to paternalistically restrict an adult's freedom to ensure their own, or society's, best interests are protected. Wherever one stands on this debate it remains the case that, unlike their non-impaired contemporaries, many intellectually disabled adults are subjected to a paternalistic regime of care. This is particularly the case regarding members of this population exercising more control of their sexuality.

Utilizing rare empirical data, Foucault's theory of power and Kristeva's concept of abjection, this work shows that many non-disabled people - including family members - hold ambivalent attitudes towards people with visible disabilities expressing their sexuality. Through a careful examination of the autonomy/paternalism debate this is the first book to provide an original, provocative and philosophically compelling analysis to argue that where necessary, facilitated sex with prostitutes should be included as part of a new regime of care to ensure that sexual needs are met.

Intellectual Disability and the Right to a Sexual Life is essential reading for scholars, students and policy-makers with an interest in philosophy, sociology, political theory, social work, disability studies and sex studies. It will also be of interest to anybody who is a parent or a sibling of an adult with an intellectual disability and those with an interest in human rights and disability more generally.

About the Author

Dr Simon Foley of QUB Belfast has taught Sociology in various universities throughout the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland over the past 10 years. He has published widely on issues of sexuality, social theory and social change and is an acknowledged international expert on the sociology of disability.

Reviews

'This is a provocative and ambitious piece of work that is driven by an unapologetic desire to interrogate assumptions about the common placed infantilisation of Intellectually Disabled adults, particularly those with Down Syndrome, and especially when it comes to genital sex. A stand out strength of this book are the thought provoking and honest narratives that Foley has elicited from his participants; mostly mothers. Furthermore, we hear his voice throughout, as both a researcher pushing the boundaries from the 'inside' and as a sibling of an adult sister who has Down Syndrome. His positionality is explicit and forms a nuanced part of the framework. This book will certainly open the debate and prompt a discussion.' - Dr Chrissie Rogers, Senior Lecturer in Sociology at Aston University

Book Information
ISBN 9780367430955
Author Simon Foley
Format Paperback
Page Count 192
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 453g