title: Intersectional experiences of traditionally marginalised groups
Creators: name: Malik, Jennifer
Publisher: name: University of Glasgow
Year: 2021
Subjects: subject: intersectionality, marginalised, carers, dementia, LGBTQ, thematic synthesis, divorce, Palestinian, narrative analysis, mixed method.

description: Chapter 1: Service-Related Experiences of Gay and Lesbian Carers of People Living with Dementia: A Systematic Review. Introduction: Evidence suggests that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer + (LGBTQ+) adults experience difficulties accessing person-centred health and social care. Experiences of social exclusion may place additional strain on LGBTQ+ carers compared to heterosexual or cisgender counterparts and intersect further with the stigma of dementia. This review aimed to synthesise service-related experiences of LGBTQ+ carers of people living with dementia. Method: Seven electronic databases were systematically searched. Two journals were hand-searched. Reference list and forward citation searches were conducted on included papers. Results: 325 records were screened. A total of 10 papers were eligible for thematic synthesis and quality appraisal. Only gay and lesbian carers were represented in included studies. Synthesis identified three central themes: ‘Intersecting forms of discrimination’, ‘(Loss of) control over the disclosure process’ and ‘Diverse support needs and preferences.’ Conclusions: Intersecting forms of discrimination, including explicit homophobia and implicit heteronormativity, can increase burden on gay and lesbian carers of people living with dementia. Control over the disclosure process is important to many carers but can be lost as the cared for person’s dementia progresses. Gay and lesbian carers have diverse support needs and preferences, indicating service development is needed to provide safe and inclusive spaces. Further research is required to enrich understanding in this area and should include racially, culturally and socially diverse (LG)BTQ+ carers of people living with dementia. Chapter 2: Experiences of Divorced Women Living in Palestine: A Mixed-Method Narrative Analysis. Introduction: Research involving divorced Palestinian women is limited. Previous studies found some women seek divorce due to domestic abuse and lack of autonomy, and that previous generations experienced social exclusion. This cross-cultural secondary analysis aimed to understand how divorce changes the lives and psychological wellbeing of contemporary Palestinian women, how intersecting identities might influence change, and to recommend areas of Palestinian research development for traditionally marginalised groups. Method: A single-case narrative was developed from a translated transcript, and common themes were compared with quantitative data from a sample of 93 divorced women assessed with a survey designed by local clinicians. Results: In the single-case narrative, divorce represented freedom from a “prison-like” marriage and a chance for personal development. Half of the broader sample shared experiences of abusive marriages and most anticipated more freedom following divorce. Differences in age, place of residence and educational level were considered. Conclusions: Divorce can improve the lives of Palestinian women and provide opportunities for wellbeing and personal growth. However, post-divorce experience may vary depending on age, family support, living situation and educational level. Palestinian researchers are encouraged to enrich understanding in this area by developing methodologies relevant to the sociocultural and political context.