A sociological analyses of the lived realities and narratives of women diagnosed and living with turner syndrome and how they conceptualise their gendered identities

Abstract

This study focuses on the psychological and social aspects that affect those diagnosed with Turners Syndrome. It analyses the narratives of these women, attending to how they negotiate and develop their own identities with particular emphasis being placed on their gendered identities and what it means to be living with a genetic condition and the implications thereof. By focusing on the narratives of these women I will explore the different factors and aspects that affect one’s identity that we so often take for granted. I consider factors such as one’s early childhood development as well as interpersonal relationships and the process of diagnosis. This argument is exemplified by the different aspects associated with Turners Syndrome specifically how these women develop their identities in relation to aspects of the syndrome such as infertility