Preventing Child Maltreatment: Multicultural Considerations in the United States

This book explores core multicultural concepts such as intersectionality, acculturation, spirituality, and oppression as they relate to child maltreatment in the United States, and examines child maltreatment through the intersection of feminist, multicultural, and prevention/wellness promotion lenses. Five case studies are revisited to help readers make connections between theory and practice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 170 pages
Publication date: 16 September 2022
Publisher: Rutgers University Press

Preventing Child Maltreatment: Multicultural Considerations in the United States is the inaugural volume in a focused series that delves into the issue of child maltreatment among marginalized and cultural groups. This particular volume focuses on examining core multicultural concepts such as intersectionality, acculturation, spirituality, and oppression, as they intersect with child maltreatment in the United States. While the subsequent books in the series take a closer look at specific ethnic or racial communities within the country, this book also explores child maltreatment through the lenses of feminist, multicultural, and prevention/wellness promotion.

Recommendations for treatment in each book are grounded in a foundation of prevention and wellness promotion, as well as multicultural and feminist theories. Throughout the book, five case studies introduced in Chapter One are revisited to facilitate meaningful connections between theory and practice for the readers.

Intersectionality, Acculturation, Spirituality, and Oppression:

Intersectionality refers to the complex interplay of multiple social identities, including race, gender, class, sexuality, and ability, that shape an individual's experiences and opportunities. It highlights the importance of considering the intersection of these identities in understanding and addressing child maltreatment. Acculturation, on the other hand, refers to the process by which individuals from different cultures integrate and adapt to one another. It examines how cultural differences, values, and beliefs can impact the ways in which children are treated and the risk factors for child maltreatment. Spirituality is a fundamental aspect of many cultures and can play a significant role in promoting well-being and resilience among children. It explores how religious beliefs, practices, and rituals can either support or hinder the prevention and treatment of child maltreatment. Oppression, as defined by feminist theory, refers to the systematic and institutionalized discrimination and marginalization of certain groups of people, such as women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals. It examines how oppression can manifest in child maltreatment and the ways in which it can be addressed through prevention and treatment efforts.

Feminist, Multicultural, and Prevention/Wellness Promotion Lenses:

Feminist theory provides a critical lens for understanding child maltreatment, as it emphasizes the importance of gender equality, social justice, and the empowerment of women and girls. It highlights the ways in which gender-based violence, discrimination, and social norms can contribute to child maltreatment and the need for interventions that address these issues. Multicultural theory, on the other hand, recognizes the diversity of cultures and the importance of cultural sensitivity and responsiveness in preventing and treating child maltreatment. It emphasizes the need to understand and respect cultural differences, values, and beliefs, and to provide interventions that are tailored to the specific needs of different cultural groups. Prevention/wellness promotion is a holistic approach to addressing child maltreatment that focuses on promoting healthy relationships, reducing risk factors, and fostering resilience among children and families. It encompasses a range of strategies, including education, support services, and community-based interventions, that aim to prevent child maltreatment from occurring in the first place.

Case Studies and Connections to Practice:

Five case studies are presented throughout the book to illustrate the application of the theoretical concepts discussed. These case studies cover a diverse range of cultural groups and contexts, including African American, Asian American, Hispanic, and Native American communities. Each case study provides a detailed account of a child's experiences with maltreatment, as well as the responses of families, communities, and professionals. The case studies are revisited in Chapter Five to help the readers make important and meaningful connections between theory and practice.

Conclusion:

Preventing Child Maltreatment: Multicultural Considerations in the United States is a valuable resource for professionals, policymakers, and researchers who are interested in understanding and addressing child maltreatment among marginalized and cultural groups. It provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to the issue, drawing on a range of theoretical concepts and perspectives. By examining the intersectionality, acculturation, spirituality, and oppression of child maltreatment, as well as the feminist, multicultural, and prevention/wellness promotion lenses, this book offers insights into the complex factors that contribute to child maltreatment and provides recommendations for effective interventions. Through the use of case studies and connections to practice, it helps readers to apply the theoretical concepts to real-world situations and to develop strategies for promoting the well-being and resilience of children and families.

Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978822573