En berg- och dalbana av genusstrategier
En studie om den normativa genusbildens konsekvenser för kvinnor med erfarenhet av narkotikamissbruk.
Female drug abusersGenderSocial constructionGender theoryKvinnorNarkotikamissbrukSocial konstruktionGenusteori
A qualitative interview study how the normative gender images affects on women, their roles and positions in a drug abuse. The purpose of this study aims to shed a light at the consequences that the normative gender scenario inflicts on women with drug abuse and how these prejudices affects these women. Based on interviews with four different women who all lived with a drug abuse we have problematized how the gender system and the normative gender images affected them. We have used gender perspectives and social constructivism theories while analyzing the empirical basis. More specifically we use the theories of Butler about how gender constructs through performative actions and Hirdmans theories of the gender system. The paper ends with a discussion of the result and a description of how the women through the socialization process is shaped to meet the normative image of women. In the subculture they adopt a more masculine appearance in order to achieve respect and status. When the women decides to leave the drug abuse and the subculture they are expected to once again adapt to the normative image of their gender, which on a micro level becomes a rollercoaster of gender strategies for the individual woman.