Exploratory Investigation of Potential Societal and Intra-familial Factors Contributing to Child Abuse and Neglect

• NCJ Number: 76148
• Author(s): W Ellis
• Date Published: 1980
• Length: 59 pages
• Grant Number(s): 90-C-448
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Health, Education, and Welfare; US Dept of Health and Human Services
• Corporate Author: National Council for Black Child Development
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This is a study of the apparent systematic differences between black mothers who abuse their children and those who do not.

Abstract

In the spring of 1978, data were elicited from 224 black mothers in the District of Columbia: 103 were convicted child abusers, and 121 were selected for comparison from predominantly black areas of similar socioeconomic strata. The two groups were compared in an effort to identify correlations or causes of child abuse among blacks. No apparent differences in social dynamics within the family were seen between abusing mothers and the comparison group, but substantial differences were observed in the impact of society on these families. Abusing mothers were typically unmarried, had larger families, and less education. Although they participated in the nonabusing group, their jobs were much more likely to be interrupted by disability or other causes, and their incomes were scarcely one-half those of the nonabusing mothers. Although generally in good health, abusing mothers were much more likely to be seriously disabled. A literature review is provided, and suggestions for further research point to the need for recognition that child abuse and neglect in the United States is charcteristic of all social strata. The impact of social institutions on the abusive family, intergenerational studies of personality development, cross-cultural studies, and assessments of the efficacy of treatment programs in view of this study's findings should all be conducted. Furthermore, national policy toward child abuse and neglect would be most effective as an integral part of a rational, coherent, comprehensive, national family policy to prevent the destructive effects of the U.S. social system on children, particularly black children. Social service agencies, helping professionals, and community organizations must engage in activities and practices that will lead to a reduction of the pressures of families. Tabular data and 47 references are provided. (Author abstract modified)