Invisible No More

Abstract

This thesis examines the experiences of people living with migraine through a feminist lens. Utilizing theories of feminist disability, the French philosopher Foucault’s ideas on power, and intersectionality, this research aims to examine people’s illness narratives of migraine and its effects on their experiences with the society around them. Additionally, this study explores people’s definitions of their migraine, their perceptions of societal views of migraine, and their self-image. The methodology applied in this research is founded on a feminist post-constructionist approach which utilizes mixed-method, 4 semi-structured interviews and a quantitative survey. Key findings disclose modes of marginalization and exclusion that are experienced by people living with migraine, including feeling singled out and perceived as untrustworthy. Also, this research sheds light on the intersection between disability and gender, laying out the injustices that both men and women with migraine experience due to the gender norms, roles and expectations around them. Important findings were established about the differences between how women and men view and make sense of these gendered experiences. The study also reveals themes of empowerment and support that people with migraine experienced throughout their journeys. Overall, this study fills a gap in research about invisible disabilities in Lebanese literature, and provides insight into illness narratives of migraine, the impact of societal and gender perceptions on these narratives, and the importance of taking into consideration the intersection between gender and disability. This thesis pushes towards the inclusion of invisible disabilities into the Lebanese literature on disabilities by providing a more nuanced understanding of people with migraines’ challenges and needs.