Cross-Cultural Perspectives in Child Abuse

Abstract

Cross-cultural perspectives in the field of child abuse and neglect are largely lacking. In many countries, not much is published about child rearing and about possible child abuse and neglect. One or two official statistics are not adequate to show a low incidence of these conditions. Thirty years ago child abuse in the industrial world was thought to be uncommon. Only active public and professional concern led to the emergence of a truer picture of all forms of child abuse: physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional and nutritional failure to thrive owing to maternal deprivation. Child rearing is the essential element in the transmission of culture in any group or society.