Young Men Surviving Child Sexual Abuse
Research Stories and Lessons for Therapeutic Practice
Chapter One
THE SOCIAL CONTEXT OF
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
INTRODUCTION
This chapter considers the nature of patriarchal relations and argues that they
constitute a social context that allows sexual abuse to happen. It is further
argued that this social context has a subsequent influence on the private and
personal experiences of those surviving the impact of sexual abuse. In considering
the specific experiences of boys and men, the concept of masculinity is critically
analysed. It is recognised that there are hegemonic or dominant forms of masculinity
that have a particular influence on the sexually abused male. The first
section, 'Patriarchal Relations', examines the history and construction of
patriarchal relations, looking at the intertwining of biological sex with gender,
oppressive heterosexism and the widespread historical and present-day domination
of women and children by men. The next section, 'Hegemony and Resistance',
considers the concept of hegemony and examines forms of resistance to
patriarchal relations. It is recognised ... read full excerpt from Young Men Surviving Child Sexual Abuse: Research Stories and Lessons for Therapeutic Practice ebook
