Nancy Whittier
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195325102
- eISBN:
- 9780199869350
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195325102.003.0009
- Subject:
- Political Science, American Politics
This chapter returns to the question of activists' engagement with the state, examining the different forms that movement organizations' relationships with state authorities took during the 1990s and ...
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This chapter returns to the question of activists' engagement with the state, examining the different forms that movement organizations' relationships with state authorities took during the 1990s and 2000s, when the therapeutic state around child sexual abuse was well‐developed, and shows the kinds of access and compromise these relationships brought. It discusses entry of activists into state agencies, movement organizations' professionalization, and increasing funding to provide services to the state, arguing that some groups became part of a para‐state. It traces organizations' use of crime victims compensation funds and activists' attempts to increase criminal and civil penalties for child sexual abuse Finally, the chapter analyzes newer organizations' involvement with public health initiatives to prevent child sexual abuse. Overall, the chapter argues that activists' involvement with the state was shaped by the priorities and pressures of the state, showing the continued power of medical and criminal approaches over others. Yet activists, particularly in the public health wing, continued to bring larger political goals into their work, illustrating the paradoxical nature of social movement outcomes.Less
This chapter returns to the question of activists' engagement with the state, examining the different forms that movement organizations' relationships with state authorities took during the 1990s and 2000s, when the therapeutic state around child sexual abuse was well‐developed, and shows the kinds of access and compromise these relationships brought. It discusses entry of activists into state agencies, movement organizations' professionalization, and increasing funding to provide services to the state, arguing that some groups became part of a para‐state. It traces organizations' use of crime victims compensation funds and activists' attempts to increase criminal and civil penalties for child sexual abuse Finally, the chapter analyzes newer organizations' involvement with public health initiatives to prevent child sexual abuse. Overall, the chapter argues that activists' involvement with the state was shaped by the priorities and pressures of the state, showing the continued power of medical and criminal approaches over others. Yet activists, particularly in the public health wing, continued to bring larger political goals into their work, illustrating the paradoxical nature of social movement outcomes.
C. J. Brainerd and V. F. Reyna
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195154054
- eISBN:
- 9780199868384
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195154054.003.0007
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Psychology
This chapter begins with a precis of the recent history of how the law handles child sexual abuse allegations in the United States. It then discusses research on the suggestibility of children's ...
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This chapter begins with a precis of the recent history of how the law handles child sexual abuse allegations in the United States. It then discusses research on the suggestibility of children's memory reports. The chapter concludes by considering a major way in which the results of such research have benefited the investigation and prosecution of sexual abuse crimes — namely, the development of best-practice protocols for conducting forensic interviews of child victims and witnesses.Less
This chapter begins with a precis of the recent history of how the law handles child sexual abuse allegations in the United States. It then discusses research on the suggestibility of children's memory reports. The chapter concludes by considering a major way in which the results of such research have benefited the investigation and prosecution of sexual abuse crimes — namely, the development of best-practice protocols for conducting forensic interviews of child victims and witnesses.
Nancy Whittier
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195325102
- eISBN:
- 9780199869350
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195325102.003.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, American Politics
The introduction gives an overview of the development of activism against child sexual abuse from the 1970s to the 2000s and traces the changes in cultural and political responses to child sexual ...
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The introduction gives an overview of the development of activism against child sexual abuse from the 1970s to the 2000s and traces the changes in cultural and political responses to child sexual abuse during that period. It shows the emergence of the movement in feminist activism and its growth outside feminism, arguing that it represents unexpected outcomes of the women's movement. It argues that activism against child sexual abuse shares qualities with, and sheds light on, the rise of self‐help and politics focused on emotion and the self as well as how social movements engage with the therapeutic state. The introduction develops the concept of selection processes, by which some movement goals and frames enter mainstream culture or public policy while others remain outside. It argues that the politics of child sexual abuse are better explained in terms of social movements than as a social problem or a moral panic. Finally, it discusses the methods of the study and gives background information about child sexual abuse.Less
The introduction gives an overview of the development of activism against child sexual abuse from the 1970s to the 2000s and traces the changes in cultural and political responses to child sexual abuse during that period. It shows the emergence of the movement in feminist activism and its growth outside feminism, arguing that it represents unexpected outcomes of the women's movement. It argues that activism against child sexual abuse shares qualities with, and sheds light on, the rise of self‐help and politics focused on emotion and the self as well as how social movements engage with the therapeutic state. The introduction develops the concept of selection processes, by which some movement goals and frames enter mainstream culture or public policy while others remain outside. It argues that the politics of child sexual abuse are better explained in terms of social movements than as a social problem or a moral panic. Finally, it discusses the methods of the study and gives background information about child sexual abuse.
Marie Keenan
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199895670
- eISBN:
- 9780199919604
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199895670.003.0010
- Subject:
- Social Work, Children and Families, Crime and Justice
This chapter revisits some of the questions raised in relation to the response of the Catholic hierarchy to child sexual abuse since the 1960s. To facilitate this discussion, it draws on a number of ...
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This chapter revisits some of the questions raised in relation to the response of the Catholic hierarchy to child sexual abuse since the 1960s. To facilitate this discussion, it draws on a number of Irish reports and sources, such as three government-commissioned reports into the handling of sexual abuse by the Church hierarchy in Ireland; a number of official reports from the United States; two studies that involved first-person interviews with bishops in relation to their handling of abuse complaints, one in the United States and one in Ireland; the work of the Boston Globe investigative journalists into the handling of abuse complaints in the Archdiocese of Boston; and the work of Bishop Geoffrey Robinson, who was appointed in 1994 by the Australian bishops to a position of leadership in responding to revelations of abuse in the Australian Catholic Church, a position he held for nine years. The chapter suggests that the decision-making processes used in the Catholic Church in relation to handling the abuse problem are more complex than the published accounts or media representations suggest. In isolating individuals from their systemic context as the objects of blame, further injustices may be perpetrated in the name of justice.Less
This chapter revisits some of the questions raised in relation to the response of the Catholic hierarchy to child sexual abuse since the 1960s. To facilitate this discussion, it draws on a number of Irish reports and sources, such as three government-commissioned reports into the handling of sexual abuse by the Church hierarchy in Ireland; a number of official reports from the United States; two studies that involved first-person interviews with bishops in relation to their handling of abuse complaints, one in the United States and one in Ireland; the work of the Boston Globe investigative journalists into the handling of abuse complaints in the Archdiocese of Boston; and the work of Bishop Geoffrey Robinson, who was appointed in 1994 by the Australian bishops to a position of leadership in responding to revelations of abuse in the Australian Catholic Church, a position he held for nine years. The chapter suggests that the decision-making processes used in the Catholic Church in relation to handling the abuse problem are more complex than the published accounts or media representations suggest. In isolating individuals from their systemic context as the objects of blame, further injustices may be perpetrated in the name of justice.
John E. B. Myers
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- April 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195169355
- eISBN:
- 9780199893348
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195169355.003.0005
- Subject:
- Social Work, Children and Families, Crime and Justice
Sexual abuse of children is a common problem. This chapter describes the prevalence and harmful effects of sexual abuse. It traces the long tradition of skepticism about women and children who ...
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Sexual abuse of children is a common problem. This chapter describes the prevalence and harmful effects of sexual abuse. It traces the long tradition of skepticism about women and children who alleged sexual assault. Despite skepticism in pre-1970 professional writing, efforts were made to protect children from sexual abuse, and these early efforts are described. In the late 1970s, sexual abuse emerged as a major social issue, spurred by groundbreaking research by David Finkelhor, Vincent DeFrancis, and Diana Russell. This chapter ends with discussion of two late 20th century phenomena that baffled experts and captivated the public: sexual abuse in preschools and allegations of widespread ritual abuse of children.Less
Sexual abuse of children is a common problem. This chapter describes the prevalence and harmful effects of sexual abuse. It traces the long tradition of skepticism about women and children who alleged sexual assault. Despite skepticism in pre-1970 professional writing, efforts were made to protect children from sexual abuse, and these early efforts are described. In the late 1970s, sexual abuse emerged as a major social issue, spurred by groundbreaking research by David Finkelhor, Vincent DeFrancis, and Diana Russell. This chapter ends with discussion of two late 20th century phenomena that baffled experts and captivated the public: sexual abuse in preschools and allegations of widespread ritual abuse of children.
Christin M. Ogle, Stephanie D. Block, Latonya S. Harris, Michelle Culver, Else-Marie Augusti, Susan Timmer, Anthony Urquiza, and Gail S. Goodman
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- May 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195308457
- eISBN:
- 9780199867387
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195308457.003.0006
- Subject:
- Psychology, Developmental Psychology
This chapter examines the claim that childhood trauma leads to a specific type of autobiographical memory functioning, namely “overgeneral memory”. It reviews scientific theory and research on ...
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This chapter examines the claim that childhood trauma leads to a specific type of autobiographical memory functioning, namely “overgeneral memory”. It reviews scientific theory and research on autobiographical memory development, memory for trauma-related and nontrauma-related information in traumatized individuals, and autobiographical memory in nontraumatized and traumatized adolescents and adults. Preliminary findings from an ongoing study that examines autobiographical memory development in documented child sexual abuse victims versus matched controls with no known history of child sexual abuse are presented. It is shown that contrary to the overgeneral memory hypothesis, individuals with child maltreatment histories, especially those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), may overfocus on trauma in their lives and in their pasts, and this focus may make their autobiographical memories particularly accurate, especially for trauma-related information.Less
This chapter examines the claim that childhood trauma leads to a specific type of autobiographical memory functioning, namely “overgeneral memory”. It reviews scientific theory and research on autobiographical memory development, memory for trauma-related and nontrauma-related information in traumatized individuals, and autobiographical memory in nontraumatized and traumatized adolescents and adults. Preliminary findings from an ongoing study that examines autobiographical memory development in documented child sexual abuse victims versus matched controls with no known history of child sexual abuse are presented. It is shown that contrary to the overgeneral memory hypothesis, individuals with child maltreatment histories, especially those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), may overfocus on trauma in their lives and in their pasts, and this focus may make their autobiographical memories particularly accurate, especially for trauma-related information.
Nancy Whittier
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195325102
- eISBN:
- 9780199869350
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195325102.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, American Politics
This book studies activism against child sexual abuse, tracing it from its emergence in feminist anti‐rape efforts, through the development of mainstream self‐help, conflicts with an opposing ...
More
This book studies activism against child sexual abuse, tracing it from its emergence in feminist anti‐rape efforts, through the development of mainstream self‐help, conflicts with an opposing movement, and entry into mass media and public policy. Activists sought to change their feelings about child sexual abuse, to challenge its cultural invisibility, and to gain institutional resources. Elaborating a “therapeutic politics,” activists saw tactics for changing the self and emotion as crucial for widespread social change and combined them with efforts to change institutions and the state. The book argues that these tactics were a challenge to efforts by the state and powerful institutions to shape the self; activists against child sexual abuse played an important part in developing and disseminating the therapeutic politics that have become important to many social movements. The book conceptualizes the selection processes by which some movement goals entered mainstream media and public policy, while others did not. As activists engaged with the state and opposing movements, shifting political winds pulled them toward formulations of child sexual abuse as a medical or criminal problem and away from emphases on gender and power. Like many social movements, it achieved social change that was a mixture of compromise, cooptation, and gains. The book thus sheds light on the processes of incomplete social change that characterize contemporary politics in the United States.Less
This book studies activism against child sexual abuse, tracing it from its emergence in feminist anti‐rape efforts, through the development of mainstream self‐help, conflicts with an opposing movement, and entry into mass media and public policy. Activists sought to change their feelings about child sexual abuse, to challenge its cultural invisibility, and to gain institutional resources. Elaborating a “therapeutic politics,” activists saw tactics for changing the self and emotion as crucial for widespread social change and combined them with efforts to change institutions and the state. The book argues that these tactics were a challenge to efforts by the state and powerful institutions to shape the self; activists against child sexual abuse played an important part in developing and disseminating the therapeutic politics that have become important to many social movements. The book conceptualizes the selection processes by which some movement goals entered mainstream media and public policy, while others did not. As activists engaged with the state and opposing movements, shifting political winds pulled them toward formulations of child sexual abuse as a medical or criminal problem and away from emphases on gender and power. Like many social movements, it achieved social change that was a mixture of compromise, cooptation, and gains. The book thus sheds light on the processes of incomplete social change that characterize contemporary politics in the United States.
Marie Keenan
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199895670
- eISBN:
- 9780199919604
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199895670.003.0002
- Subject:
- Social Work, Children and Families, Crime and Justice
This chapter analyzes the available data on what is known about the problem of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. It also considers how the available data compare with data from other churches ...
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This chapter analyzes the available data on what is known about the problem of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. It also considers how the available data compare with data from other churches and religious groups, as well as with what we know about child sexual abuse by other “caring” professionals. While these issues are explored on a comparative basis, Ireland and the United States are used as the primary contexts, since most of the available quantitative data on sexual abuse by Catholic clergy emanate from these two countries. Other jurisdictions, such as Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and several in Europe, are referred to for comparative purposes.Less
This chapter analyzes the available data on what is known about the problem of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. It also considers how the available data compare with data from other churches and religious groups, as well as with what we know about child sexual abuse by other “caring” professionals. While these issues are explored on a comparative basis, Ireland and the United States are used as the primary contexts, since most of the available quantitative data on sexual abuse by Catholic clergy emanate from these two countries. Other jurisdictions, such as Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and several in Europe, are referred to for comparative purposes.
Marie Keenan
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199895670
- eISBN:
- 9780199919604
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199895670.003.0011
- Subject:
- Social Work, Children and Families, Crime and Justice
This chapter begins by making the case for a gendered perspective on child sexual abuse and by extension on sexual abuse by Catholic clergy. Initially, it thematically elucidates a number of broad ...
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This chapter begins by making the case for a gendered perspective on child sexual abuse and by extension on sexual abuse by Catholic clergy. Initially, it thematically elucidates a number of broad structural and institutional conditions that emerged as significant in the lives the clerical perpetrators; all of which are implicated in their sexual offending. Many of these conditions relate also to Catholic clergy more generally and not just the clerical perpetrators. Therefore, further theoretical refinement is necessary. This is undertaken by turning to the dynamic factors that distinguish clerics who become abuse perpetrators from those who do not. For this analytical work, it draws on the insights of Erving Goff man (1975/1961), which facilitates a discussion of seminary formation and how clerical identity is construed. A gendered theory of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy is developed in which the clerical perpetrator is conceptualized as part of a more layered and complex theory of clerical masculinities. Leaving the clerical perpetrators, the chapter then turns to the institutional and societal dimensions of child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, interweaving the understanding of the clerical perpetrators with the social, cultural, and organizational factors encountered, to develop a multi-layered framework for understanding sexual abuse by Catholic clergy in Ireland. While this framework acts as an exemplar of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church more broadly, what is presented here is an attempt to conceptualize the issues involved in a meaningful way and to develop some useful understandings.Less
This chapter begins by making the case for a gendered perspective on child sexual abuse and by extension on sexual abuse by Catholic clergy. Initially, it thematically elucidates a number of broad structural and institutional conditions that emerged as significant in the lives the clerical perpetrators; all of which are implicated in their sexual offending. Many of these conditions relate also to Catholic clergy more generally and not just the clerical perpetrators. Therefore, further theoretical refinement is necessary. This is undertaken by turning to the dynamic factors that distinguish clerics who become abuse perpetrators from those who do not. For this analytical work, it draws on the insights of Erving Goff man (1975/1961), which facilitates a discussion of seminary formation and how clerical identity is construed. A gendered theory of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy is developed in which the clerical perpetrator is conceptualized as part of a more layered and complex theory of clerical masculinities. Leaving the clerical perpetrators, the chapter then turns to the institutional and societal dimensions of child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, interweaving the understanding of the clerical perpetrators with the social, cultural, and organizational factors encountered, to develop a multi-layered framework for understanding sexual abuse by Catholic clergy in Ireland. While this framework acts as an exemplar of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church more broadly, what is presented here is an attempt to conceptualize the issues involved in a meaningful way and to develop some useful understandings.
Marie Keenan
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199895670
- eISBN:
- 9780199919604
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199895670.003.0005
- Subject:
- Social Work, Children and Families, Crime and Justice
This chapter reviews key themes emerging from the psychological and psychiatric literature. It examines what happens when the individual is the focus of analysis. It indicates that child sexual ...
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This chapter reviews key themes emerging from the psychological and psychiatric literature. It examines what happens when the individual is the focus of analysis. It indicates that child sexual offending is a complex phenomenon, and psychological theories to explain it continue to evolve. It also points to their limitations, and even their dangers, if applied uncritically. Given the range of competing constructions or “findings” within the discipline of psychology itself, and sufficient stake in their outcomes, in terms of power and prestige, there is brisk competition over whose voice is to be honored and whose findings are to bear the hallmark of “science.”. Although psychologists have hardly spoken with one voice, it is interesting to note the growing “scientific” emphasis in the discipline.Less
This chapter reviews key themes emerging from the psychological and psychiatric literature. It examines what happens when the individual is the focus of analysis. It indicates that child sexual offending is a complex phenomenon, and psychological theories to explain it continue to evolve. It also points to their limitations, and even their dangers, if applied uncritically. Given the range of competing constructions or “findings” within the discipline of psychology itself, and sufficient stake in their outcomes, in terms of power and prestige, there is brisk competition over whose voice is to be honored and whose findings are to bear the hallmark of “science.”. Although psychologists have hardly spoken with one voice, it is interesting to note the growing “scientific” emphasis in the discipline.
Marie Keenan
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199895670
- eISBN:
- 9780199919604
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199895670.003.0006
- Subject:
- Social Work, Children and Families, Crime and Justice
A social or critical perspective keeps the contextual, relational, and linguistic constitution of social issues to the fore, and is also mindful of the political and social consequences of particular ...
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A social or critical perspective keeps the contextual, relational, and linguistic constitution of social issues to the fore, and is also mindful of the political and social consequences of particular linguistic constructions in social life. This perspective is important for the study of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy, as much public and professional commentary has a tendency to individualize the problem, ignoring the political and cultural context in which the abuse and its management takes place, and the professional and political discourses in which the subject is narrated. The topics discussed in this chapter and the questions they raise provide a corrective to the more individually focused work discussed in Chapter 4 . The chapter aims to put the “social” back into a consideration of social problems, and in this regard three main topics are central to this endeavor. The discursive constitution of social problems stresses the importance of language and power relations in how social problems take their form. The changing understanding of child abuse situates the abuse of children in the context of evolving understanding of childhood and of sexuality and the family. The section on creating offending identities places discussion of the child sexual offender in the context of wider international debates on how identity is constructed and on crime and criminal policy in general.Less
A social or critical perspective keeps the contextual, relational, and linguistic constitution of social issues to the fore, and is also mindful of the political and social consequences of particular linguistic constructions in social life. This perspective is important for the study of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy, as much public and professional commentary has a tendency to individualize the problem, ignoring the political and cultural context in which the abuse and its management takes place, and the professional and political discourses in which the subject is narrated. The topics discussed in this chapter and the questions they raise provide a corrective to the more individually focused work discussed in Chapter 4 . The chapter aims to put the “social” back into a consideration of social problems, and in this regard three main topics are central to this endeavor. The discursive constitution of social problems stresses the importance of language and power relations in how social problems take their form. The changing understanding of child abuse situates the abuse of children in the context of evolving understanding of childhood and of sexuality and the family. The section on creating offending identities places discussion of the child sexual offender in the context of wider international debates on how identity is constructed and on crime and criminal policy in general.
Charles J. Brainerd and Valerie F. Reyna
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- May 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195308457
- eISBN:
- 9780199867387
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195308457.003.0010
- Subject:
- Psychology, Developmental Psychology
This chapter focuses on the scientific study of children's false memories and how susceptibility to false memories changes with age. It begins with a sketch of some historical facts about the law's ...
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This chapter focuses on the scientific study of children's false memories and how susceptibility to false memories changes with age. It begins with a sketch of some historical facts about the law's treatment of child sexual abuse and about how research findings have figured in child sexual abuse prosecutions. It then analyzes the scientific literature, summarizing what has been discovered about children's false memories and the theoretical ideas that are used to explain those findings. The chapter concludes with suggestions on ways to avoid eliciting false recollections, especially in cases where abuse has occurred.Less
This chapter focuses on the scientific study of children's false memories and how susceptibility to false memories changes with age. It begins with a sketch of some historical facts about the law's treatment of child sexual abuse and about how research findings have figured in child sexual abuse prosecutions. It then analyzes the scientific literature, summarizing what has been discovered about children's false memories and the theoretical ideas that are used to explain those findings. The chapter concludes with suggestions on ways to avoid eliciting false recollections, especially in cases where abuse has occurred.
Nancy Whittier
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195325102
- eISBN:
- 9780199869350
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195325102.003.0010
- Subject:
- Political Science, American Politics
The conclusion sums up the ways that the movement against child sexual abuse sought to achieve change, and the ways that the external context shaped those changes and the movement itself, shedding ...
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The conclusion sums up the ways that the movement against child sexual abuse sought to achieve change, and the ways that the external context shaped those changes and the movement itself, shedding light on social movements more broadly. Activists against child sexual abuse did not achieve the changes they expected, but they contributed to dramatic changes in how people think and feel about child sexual abuse, how those who experience it cope and respond, how children who report it are treated, how it is represented in the mass media, and how government and public policy address it. In doing so, they also helped shape a politics that infused other social movements, blending emotion and policy, changing both individuals' inner worlds and the larger social world.Less
The conclusion sums up the ways that the movement against child sexual abuse sought to achieve change, and the ways that the external context shaped those changes and the movement itself, shedding light on social movements more broadly. Activists against child sexual abuse did not achieve the changes they expected, but they contributed to dramatic changes in how people think and feel about child sexual abuse, how those who experience it cope and respond, how children who report it are treated, how it is represented in the mass media, and how government and public policy address it. In doing so, they also helped shape a politics that infused other social movements, blending emotion and policy, changing both individuals' inner worlds and the larger social world.
Marie Keenan
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199895670
- eISBN:
- 9780199919604
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199895670.003.0004
- Subject:
- Social Work, Children and Families, Crime and Justice
Much of the literature on Roman Catholic clergy comes from a number of sources, including scholarly books and essays, empirical research studies, newspaper reports, and some relevant websites. ...
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Much of the literature on Roman Catholic clergy comes from a number of sources, including scholarly books and essays, empirical research studies, newspaper reports, and some relevant websites. Although not exclusively so, much of the scholarly work on clergy is written by current priests and religious (male and female) who have a professional and/or personal interest in the subject. There are advantages and disadvantages to clergy engaging in this type of research. On the one hand they have an intimate knowledge of seminary and clerical life and the inner workings and dynamics of the Church hierarchy and the institution of the Roman Catholic Church, a knowledge that is invaluable. On the other hand, the risk of bias may be inflated. This chapter draws on this literature and other sources to outline the state of the field in relation to Catholic clergy. It first discusses the literature on “normal” clergy, followed by a review of the literature on clerical men who have sexually abused minors, and then briefly compares both. It argues for an expansive lens through which to understand sexual abuse by Catholic clergy. By understanding, there is no attempt to condone the men's abusive behavior. On the contrary, it is one of the central theses of this book that by understanding the internal “logic” of the apparently illogical action, we learn more about the phenomenon and are in a position to take more decisive and informed action to prevent its occurrence in the future.Less
Much of the literature on Roman Catholic clergy comes from a number of sources, including scholarly books and essays, empirical research studies, newspaper reports, and some relevant websites. Although not exclusively so, much of the scholarly work on clergy is written by current priests and religious (male and female) who have a professional and/or personal interest in the subject. There are advantages and disadvantages to clergy engaging in this type of research. On the one hand they have an intimate knowledge of seminary and clerical life and the inner workings and dynamics of the Church hierarchy and the institution of the Roman Catholic Church, a knowledge that is invaluable. On the other hand, the risk of bias may be inflated. This chapter draws on this literature and other sources to outline the state of the field in relation to Catholic clergy. It first discusses the literature on “normal” clergy, followed by a review of the literature on clerical men who have sexually abused minors, and then briefly compares both. It argues for an expansive lens through which to understand sexual abuse by Catholic clergy. By understanding, there is no attempt to condone the men's abusive behavior. On the contrary, it is one of the central theses of this book that by understanding the internal “logic” of the apparently illogical action, we learn more about the phenomenon and are in a position to take more decisive and informed action to prevent its occurrence in the future.
Nancy Whittier
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- January 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780190235994
- eISBN:
- 9780190236038
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190235994.003.0003
- Subject:
- Sociology, Politics, Social Movements and Social Change, Gender and Sexuality
Chapter 3 shows how ideologically diverse activists and legislators converged around a narrow, single-issue opposition to child sexual abuse and defined it as a politically neutral issue. The chapter ...
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Chapter 3 shows how ideologically diverse activists and legislators converged around a narrow, single-issue opposition to child sexual abuse and defined it as a politically neutral issue. The chapter shows how three challenges to this consensus emerged and were resolved: a 1981 Republican attempt to kill CAPTA; 1992‒1996 feminist organizing around child custody cases and False Memory Syndrome Foundation attempts to weaken CAPTA; 2000 forward, expansions of sex offender registration and notification requirements. Narrow neutrality facilitated the passage of legislation and pulled policy toward criminal justice and away from feminist challenges to the patriarchal family and conservatives’ emphasis on preserving the traditional family. Federal engagement shifted over time from a focus on violence within the family to a focus on child pornography and the control of sex offenders; although framed in terms of dangerous strangers, the new focus affected the larger number of familial offenders as well. Legislators and advocates downplayed race and gender while constructing an implicitly white victim, producing predominantly white offenders because of the prevalence of familial abuse. Experiential and expert knowledge and shared emotional rituals produced and maintained narrow neutrality in Congress, activist and professional groups, and media representations.Less
Chapter 3 shows how ideologically diverse activists and legislators converged around a narrow, single-issue opposition to child sexual abuse and defined it as a politically neutral issue. The chapter shows how three challenges to this consensus emerged and were resolved: a 1981 Republican attempt to kill CAPTA; 1992‒1996 feminist organizing around child custody cases and False Memory Syndrome Foundation attempts to weaken CAPTA; 2000 forward, expansions of sex offender registration and notification requirements. Narrow neutrality facilitated the passage of legislation and pulled policy toward criminal justice and away from feminist challenges to the patriarchal family and conservatives’ emphasis on preserving the traditional family. Federal engagement shifted over time from a focus on violence within the family to a focus on child pornography and the control of sex offenders; although framed in terms of dangerous strangers, the new focus affected the larger number of familial offenders as well. Legislators and advocates downplayed race and gender while constructing an implicitly white victim, producing predominantly white offenders because of the prevalence of familial abuse. Experiential and expert knowledge and shared emotional rituals produced and maintained narrow neutrality in Congress, activist and professional groups, and media representations.
Asha Bajpai
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- November 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780199470716
- eISBN:
- 9780199089079
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780199470716.003.0005
- Subject:
- Law, Human Rights and Immigration
Child sexual abuse and exploitation covers the sexual maltreatment of both children and young people. Part A deals with child sexual abuse (CSA) in India, its magnitude, and child sexual abuse in ...
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Child sexual abuse and exploitation covers the sexual maltreatment of both children and young people. Part A deals with child sexual abuse (CSA) in India, its magnitude, and child sexual abuse in institutions. It deals with the national legal regime relating to CSA including the constitutional provisions, Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO). Law reform relating to some provisions in POCSO, child marriage laws, Right to Education Act and, and child victims and witnesses is recommended. Part B deals with commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking of minor children in the context of organized exploitation for commercial gain. The Indian laws dealing with commercial sexual exploitation and pornography are included. Important judgements and international instruments dealing with child sexual abuse and exploitation and the important role played by NGOs and government in dealing with cases of CSA and exploitation are included.Less
Child sexual abuse and exploitation covers the sexual maltreatment of both children and young people. Part A deals with child sexual abuse (CSA) in India, its magnitude, and child sexual abuse in institutions. It deals with the national legal regime relating to CSA including the constitutional provisions, Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO). Law reform relating to some provisions in POCSO, child marriage laws, Right to Education Act and, and child victims and witnesses is recommended. Part B deals with commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking of minor children in the context of organized exploitation for commercial gain. The Indian laws dealing with commercial sexual exploitation and pornography are included. Important judgements and international instruments dealing with child sexual abuse and exploitation and the important role played by NGOs and government in dealing with cases of CSA and exploitation are included.
Marie Keenan
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199895670
- eISBN:
- 9780199919604
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199895670.003.0008
- Subject:
- Social Work, Children and Families, Crime and Justice
This chapter offers the first part of the thematic analysis of the accounts of clerical men who have sexually abused minors as they consider some of the factors that gave rise to their sexual ...
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This chapter offers the first part of the thematic analysis of the accounts of clerical men who have sexually abused minors as they consider some of the factors that gave rise to their sexual violations. It examines, in particular, the sexual dimensions of the men's offending. All the clerical perpetrators who took part in this research battled with sexuality during their priesthood or religious brotherhood. The problems related to deeply embodied shame, emerging from a sexual ethic that rendered bodies bad and every sexual thought, feeling, and action sin. Poorly prepared for a life of celibate living and lacking the skills necessary to develop intimate relationships safely within the context of a celibate commitment, the men denied their need for intimacy and male sexual expression, or concealed their needs from others, in particular from other clergy.Less
This chapter offers the first part of the thematic analysis of the accounts of clerical men who have sexually abused minors as they consider some of the factors that gave rise to their sexual violations. It examines, in particular, the sexual dimensions of the men's offending. All the clerical perpetrators who took part in this research battled with sexuality during their priesthood or religious brotherhood. The problems related to deeply embodied shame, emerging from a sexual ethic that rendered bodies bad and every sexual thought, feeling, and action sin. Poorly prepared for a life of celibate living and lacking the skills necessary to develop intimate relationships safely within the context of a celibate commitment, the men denied their need for intimacy and male sexual expression, or concealed their needs from others, in particular from other clergy.
Marie Keenan
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199895670
- eISBN:
- 9780199919604
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199895670.003.0009
- Subject:
- Social Work, Children and Families, Crime and Justice
This chapter explores the social, emotional, and institutional context of the men's offending, paying particular attention to rules, obedience, loneliness, power, and opportunity. The clerical men ...
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This chapter explores the social, emotional, and institutional context of the men's offending, paying particular attention to rules, obedience, loneliness, power, and opportunity. The clerical men who went on to become perpetrators of child sexual abuse and who participated in the study constructed their priestly or religious vocation on fear: fear of breaking a celibate commitment and fear of displeasing others. The accompanying way of “doing” priesthood involved strategies for their attempts to live a chaste and obedient life, such as adopting a submissive way of relating to others, avoiding relationships with women, and avoiding particular friendships with men. Such strategies produced poor adult attachments, a fear of emotional and physical intimacy, and prolonged emotional loneliness.Less
This chapter explores the social, emotional, and institutional context of the men's offending, paying particular attention to rules, obedience, loneliness, power, and opportunity. The clerical men who went on to become perpetrators of child sexual abuse and who participated in the study constructed their priestly or religious vocation on fear: fear of breaking a celibate commitment and fear of displeasing others. The accompanying way of “doing” priesthood involved strategies for their attempts to live a chaste and obedient life, such as adopting a submissive way of relating to others, avoiding relationships with women, and avoiding particular friendships with men. Such strategies produced poor adult attachments, a fear of emotional and physical intimacy, and prolonged emotional loneliness.
Marie Keenan
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199895670
- eISBN:
- 9780199919604
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199895670.003.0001
- Subject:
- Social Work, Children and Families, Crime and Justice
This introductory chapter sets out the purpose of the book, which is to understand and analyze child sexual abuse by Catholic clergy in its individual and systemic dimensions, and to offer a ...
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This introductory chapter sets out the purpose of the book, which is to understand and analyze child sexual abuse by Catholic clergy in its individual and systemic dimensions, and to offer a perspective that combines both. It is based on over a decade of research. Another important aim of this work is to try to understand the “logic” of the Church hierarchy in their responses to abuse complaints, and to set this understanding in its systemic context. The chapter then discusses the rationale behind this book, and the sources and methodology used. An overview of the subsequent chapters is also presented.Less
This introductory chapter sets out the purpose of the book, which is to understand and analyze child sexual abuse by Catholic clergy in its individual and systemic dimensions, and to offer a perspective that combines both. It is based on over a decade of research. Another important aim of this work is to try to understand the “logic” of the Church hierarchy in their responses to abuse complaints, and to set this understanding in its systemic context. The chapter then discusses the rationale behind this book, and the sources and methodology used. An overview of the subsequent chapters is also presented.
Lesley Henderson
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748625314
- eISBN:
- 9780748651177
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748625314.003.0007
- Subject:
- Film, Television and Radio, Television
This chapter addresses how audiences ‘make sense’ of social issue storylines. Its overall aim is to explore the links or disconnections between how messages are constructed for the imagined audience ...
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This chapter addresses how audiences ‘make sense’ of social issue storylines. Its overall aim is to explore the links or disconnections between how messages are constructed for the imagined audience by the programme makers and how they are received by audiences. The chapter focuses on the reception study of sexual violence in the television soap opera Brookside, building on Chapter 2, which explores the ethos and philosophies of the production team members. It also develops Chapter 3, which examines the production background to this story of sexual and physical violence. In this chapter, participants were asked to answer a questionnaire covering basic demographic characteristics, television viewing habits and the question: ‘Should the issue of child abuse be portrayed in soap opera?’. They were then given photographs depicting the rape scene in Brookside, and were asked to write dialogue for the scene and discuss their responses to the topic of sexual abuse in television fiction to the group. The chapter begins by mapping audience reactions and responses to the topic of child sexual abuse in television soap opera, and then explores the reactions and responses to specific characterisations, including those of the victims and the abuser. Finally, it explores how this type of story influences public understandings of such issues as the complex and ambiguous emotions experienced by an abused child.Less
This chapter addresses how audiences ‘make sense’ of social issue storylines. Its overall aim is to explore the links or disconnections between how messages are constructed for the imagined audience by the programme makers and how they are received by audiences. The chapter focuses on the reception study of sexual violence in the television soap opera Brookside, building on Chapter 2, which explores the ethos and philosophies of the production team members. It also develops Chapter 3, which examines the production background to this story of sexual and physical violence. In this chapter, participants were asked to answer a questionnaire covering basic demographic characteristics, television viewing habits and the question: ‘Should the issue of child abuse be portrayed in soap opera?’. They were then given photographs depicting the rape scene in Brookside, and were asked to write dialogue for the scene and discuss their responses to the topic of sexual abuse in television fiction to the group. The chapter begins by mapping audience reactions and responses to the topic of child sexual abuse in television soap opera, and then explores the reactions and responses to specific characterisations, including those of the victims and the abuser. Finally, it explores how this type of story influences public understandings of such issues as the complex and ambiguous emotions experienced by an abused child.
