NCJ Number
19307
Journal
American Journal of Orthopsychiatry Volume: 45 Issue: 3 Dated: (APRIL 1975) Pages: 363-371
Date Published
1975
Length
9 pages
Annotation
EMPLOYING THE PERSPECTIVE OF LABELING THEORY, THIS PAPER PROPOSES THAT CAUSES OF ABUSE ARE PRODUCTS OF SOCIAL DEFINITIONS APPLIED BY PERSONS CHARGED WITH IDENTIFYING CHILDREN INJURED BY THEIR CARETAKERS.
Abstract
RESEARCH ON CHILD ABUSE HAS TRADITIONALLY FOCUSED ON INCIDENCE, CAUSES, AND PREVENTION AND TREATMENT. ONE FACET OVERLOOKED IS THAT ABUSE IS SOCIAL DEVIANCE, AND IS THE PRODUCT OF SOCIAL LABELING. GAPS IN OUR KNOWLEDGE OF CHILD ABUSE ARE POINTED OUT, AND SUGGESTIONS FOR EMPIRICAL RESEARCH ARE OFFERED. THE PAPER PROPOSES A SYSTEMS APPROACH TO THE STUDY OF CHILD ABUSE. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT)