Articles_05

Article Critique 3
Title: Not Just a Wheelchair, Not Just a Woman: Self Identity and Leisure
Author: Karla A. Henderson and Leanne A. Bedini
Date: 1994
Summary: This study interviewed 30 women with a disability that were involved in their community. The group consisted of a variety of women. Some were married, some were single. There were different nationalities represented in this sample. The purpose of this was to see the different leisure styles of women with disabilities and how it can affect their self-identity, woman identity, and body self-esteem. Many women expressed that they felt they had limitations because of their disabilities. Through leisure these women were able to find self-identity. Leisure helped them come to terms with their condition and love themselves despite it. Most women felt a disconnect with social norms because of their leisure differences, especially when they couldn’t fulfill societal roles. Many women feel that they already have a disadvantage in society, a sort of “societal handicap”. A physical disability on top of that makes women feel less empowered. Women that participated in leisure activities reported a higher self-esteem and overall self-image.
Strengths: I really enjoyed the idea of this article. I think it is really cool to think that leisure can empower people in their self-identity and body image. I think the article did a really good at pointing this out. I have seen this evidence in many people. Leisure can make us feel free of our limitations.
Weaknesses: I really didn’t like how this article portrayed women. I felt like this showed women as inferior to men and was slightly feminist. I think this is an important concept for men and women. Yes, women probably struggle a little more with self-identity, but it is a common problem, I think it is just voiced more by men. I think this idea could be cool if it was researched in men as well.
Application: I know that in the field of therapeutic recreation, I will be working with women as well as men. I think it is important to remember that women do struggle with the concept of self-identity and really care about fitting into society. Even though I may be helping someone with a physical disability, the idea of how the perceive them-self can be affected and helped as well through leisure.
Personal Feelings: I know that leisure has helped me with these things. When I am hiking or swimming or doing those things I love, it makes me feel free. I love leisure can affect that. Many people today feel that leisure is just something to do in our spare time if they have it, but it is truly therapeutic and needful in our lives.