Blind Mothers’ Experiences of Marginalization: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Qualitative Study

Introduction: Mothering is a precious art with many intricacies. When women experience the phenomenon of mothering, they become vulnerable, and face many challenges. It creates worst conditions, if this experience is combined with a disability such as blindness. This study aimed to determine blind mothers’ experiences of marginalization. Method: The approach used in this study was hermeneutic phenomenology. Sampling was carried out using targeted and snow balling method. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with nine congenitally blind mothers who had child under the age of ۸ years old. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Interviews continued until data saturation. van Manen method was used for all steps of the study including data collections, data analysis, and interpretation and reporting the findings. Data analysis was performed using MAXQDA software. Results: From ۴۷۹ initial codes, the main theme of "hermit inevitable", and subthemes of "feelings of shame", "a sense of discrimination", and "obligation in loneliness" were emerged. Conclusion: Blind mothers’ perception of themselves was to be marginalized, and they suffered from shame feeling, discrimination, lack of support, and obligation in loneliness. Blindness affects mothering, and blind mothers are in a unique situation.

Keywords:

Mothers , Blindness , Hermeneutics , qualitative research , Experience