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Child Sexual Abuse - a Study of Controversy and Construction

Department of Theory of Science, Gothenburg University, Sweden

E.M. Rigné

Department of Sociology, Gothenburg University, Sweden

In this article we focus on the construction of and controversy surrounding child sexual abuse as a social problem in the Swedish context. Using concepts and approaches from the field of science studies, we investigate how the problem has been introduced to the public and by whom We identify what we call a knowledge-based controversy. The frequency of child sexual abuse, the methods of diagnosing it, and the role of the investigator are highly disputed It would appear that clinical child psychologists are especially engaged in this problem construction as well as in controversy with other professionals. Different strategies are chosen in order to increase professional legitimacy, and exclude others' claims to expertise on the subject. Our conclusion is that at present there is no indication that psychologists have reached a more comprehensive experience and/or unified knowledge of child sexual abuse than any competing professional group dealing with the issue

Acta Sociologica, Vol. 37, No. 2, 141-163 (1994)
DOI: 10.1177/000169939403700202


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