The social construction of social identity of people with intellectual disability

Abstract

Human identity is the result of a dynamic process of social interactions that comprises understanding, interpreting, and agreeing upon social and individual expectations. People with intellectual disabilities show limitations in these abilities and this may lead to problems with construction of identity. This article reviews what is known about this issue and includes a discussion of the Polish education, rehabilitation, and social welfare systems with respect to supporting activities. Strategies for helping those with intellectual disability to develop a stable, cohesive, and separate identity are also discussed.

Keywords:

• intellectual disability
• identity
• normal and abnormal individual