Abstract
This theoretical paper takes on a difficult and dangerous argument: that ‘child abuse’ is socially constructed. By using Michel
Foucault’s analysis of the complex interplay between power and knowledge, we may be able to explain the changing forms that
the struggle against child abuse has taken, without minimizing the reality of the suffering that abuse causes. By examining
the historical role that state and child welfare movements played in developing child protective services in North America,
we discover how scientific epistemology and medical discourse on child abuse have come together to shape and construct societal
beliefs about abusers. This analysis allows us to deepen our understanding of child abuse and the means to preventing it,
as well as guides us in developing better and more informed social policies.
Foucault’s analysis of the complex interplay between power and knowledge, we may be able to explain the changing forms that
the struggle against child abuse has taken, without minimizing the reality of the suffering that abuse causes. By examining
the historical role that state and child welfare movements played in developing child protective services in North America,
we discover how scientific epistemology and medical discourse on child abuse have come together to shape and construct societal
beliefs about abusers. This analysis allows us to deepen our understanding of child abuse and the means to preventing it,
as well as guides us in developing better and more informed social policies.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-8
- DOI 10.1007/s10896-010-9347-z
- Authors
- Sheri Bell, Department of Sociology, University of Manitoba, 108–183 Dafoe Road, Isbister Building, Winnipeg, R3T 2N2 MB Canada
- Journal Journal of Family Violence
- Online ISSN 1573-2851
- Print ISSN 0885-7482