Welfare Practice in Response of Child Neglect: Reconstruction and Analysis of the Discourses on Family, Childrearing, and Motherhood

Abstract

Child neglect is an ongoing social problem, estimated to affect 5 -10 per cent of children. The term neglect describes a behavior that deviates from an ideal norm. However, both the form of this ideal norm and the definition of deviation depend on contemporary discourses and scientific positions. Historically, it has been more frequently poor families and single mothers who have been disciplined for child neglect by the state, whilst their economic situation was marginalized. Parallel current findings raise questions regarding how these discourses form, how they influence decision-making processes, and whether a continuity can be ascertained in measures of social disciplining. Our ongoing research project on welfare practice in response of child neglect aims to reconstruct and analyze current discourses on family, childrearing, and motherhood in the context of child neglect. Taking a multi-perspectival approach, it will analyze and compare the expert discourse, the political/public discourse, and the perspective of affected mothers across two different time periods in five selected Swiss cantons. Preliminary findings indicate that gender categories, especially motherhood, continue to be of great importance. On the basis of a first analysis of casefiles, one could speak of a "motherism": in case processing and in the course of the case, responsibility is attributed to the mother, and social and pedagogical contexts are neglected, even the financial situation seems to be given less importance. Instead, the willingness to cooperate often seems to be a key factor in deciding on further interventions. Furthermore, there are indications that in decision-making processes with far-reaching consequences, legal arguments are preferred while childrearing aspects are neglected. It can also be noted that normative and sometimes stigmatizing statements do not seem to belong to the past. In this article, we will give insight into the research design and first findings and discuss the necessity of reflecting on the images of family, childrearing, and

Ambivalence in Child Protection Proceedings: Parents’ Views on Their Interactions with Child Protection Authorities

“…The threat to one's integrity seems to be even more serious for mothers as they are often perceived as the "leading case worker" as a mother described it (C5). This is in line with previous research about the differentiated involvement of mothers and fathers in child protection (Brandon et al 2019;Vogel Campanello et al 2021;Aeby et al 2021). It seems that by focusing on the mother as main addressee, fathers can be put into a marginalized position in the course of the proceedings.…”

Social Work in Switzerland

“…Rüegger et al (2021) show how essential the building of trust is for socio-pedagogical work relations, and what structural and situational conditions this requires. In addition, studies on child protection relating to the present day demonstrate how ideas about 'good mothering' and about family and parenting (Vogel Campanello et al, 2021) play a central role in decision-making processes about the out-of-home placement of children. Another strand in the discussion consists of recent findings on foster family placements (e.g., Gabriel & Stohler, 2020;Werner, 2019), and on care leavers and leaving care (e.g., Ahmed et al, 2021;Werner & Stohler, 2021).…”