Prohibited by Pity: Perceptions of the Warmth, Competence, and Sexual Rights of Women Labeled with Intellectual Disability

Introduction The paternalism characterizing pity has long been critiqued by people with disabilities, including for fueling the sexual rights restrictions of women labeled with intellectual disability (ID). We used Fiske’s Stereotype Content Model (SCM; Fiske et al., 2002 ) framework to examine majority group women’s perceptions of ID-labeled women and the relation of pity to their support for ID-labeled women’s sexual rights and related policies. Methods In 2020, we surveyed 307 majoritized (i.e., White, heterosexual, and cisgender) adult women in the U.S. through an online recruitment platform. We elicited their perspectives regarding four marginalized groups of women, including those who are labeled with ID, low-income, adolescents, and lesbians. Results Women labeled with ID were viewed as more warm than competent and were regarded with pity more than other groups of marginalized women. Evaluations of competence were associated with support for sexual rights and related policies of ID-labeled women, but not women in the other marginalized groups. Conclusions These results underscore disability scholars’ and activists’ concerns that pity is particularly directed toward ID-labeled women and that it may undermine others’ support of their sexual rights and opportunities. Policy Implications In response, we advocate for a broader conception of competence and greater social integration. To uphold inalienable sexual rights for all ID-labeled women, we argue for policies that entitle women to enhanced resources as they direct their own sexual lives.