Abstract

FARIA, Marina Dias de. How Down Syndrome Does Not Weave Webs: Identity, Stigma and Social Exclusion. Revista Crítica de Ciências Sociais [online]. 2020, n.122, pp.119-144. ISSN 2182-7435.  https://doi.org/10.4000/rccs.10707.

The objective of the present research is to use the network theory to analyze the configuration of the social webs of adults with Down Syndrome (DS). The main potential of social network analysis is to point out that the individual is conditioned by the social network that surrounds him and is also able to modify this network. Interviews were conducted with 34 families in Portugal and Brazil. Respondents were adults with DS and their mothers. The results showed that the network of the DS individuals is narrow and has as main node the maternal figure. The mother is responsible in almost all the families interviewed for taking care of her child with DS, even if she has to give up her moments of leisure and her profession. The network of people with DS is mainly composed of women, and people outside of the family often create negative bonds with these individuals.

Keywords : disability; Down Syndrome; mothers; network theory; social exclusion.

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