Abstract:
The analytical category of gender is rarely found in the research and practice of Music Therapy, and it is also absent in the discussions about Music Therapy and Disability. The goal of this research is to investigate if the relations of gender influence the music therapy treatment with girls and boys with disabilities, especially with regard to the development of independence. It is supposed that gender relations influence the development of independence of girls and boys with disabilities in Music Therapy, being that this is less related to the girls and even less to girls with disabilities. The expectations with regard to girls and boys with disabilities in Music Therapy treatment will be investigated through a field research based on questionnaires filled out by the parents and music therapists of the children and adolescents with disabilities. The research will be qualitative and quantitative. The results will be analyzed through content analysis. Even with a small sampling, the data were consistent and the research confirmed that gender relations are relevant in Music Therapy. The expectations of parents and music therapists are influenced by gender relations with there being more expectations for the boys than for the girls, and even less for girls with disabilities, especially with regard to independence, confirming that gender inequalities and discriminations are frequently practiced and multiplied with the disability even if they are barely perceptible by music therapists and parents of the girls and boys with disabilities. Thus a theological theoretical support was constructed which offers theoretical and practical contributions for the construction of more equitable and just relations within Music Therapy, de-constructing gender and disability. Theology, within a gender and feminist analytical perspective, contributes to a Theological Ethics of Independence in Music Therapy, which highlights the dignity and the right to independent life of children and adolescents with disabilities, seeking equity and justice, the maximum of potential and development, so that they may become successful adults with independence. Contributions are thus offered for music therapists, for them to rethink their practices to avoid inequalities and promote a greater humanization of the patients.
