Towards an Understanding of Power Relationships in Institutional Abuse∗

∗This paper was presented to the 4th European Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect, Abano Terme, Padova, Italy, 28‐31 March 1993

Abstract

This paper draws upon Max Weber's work on domination to analyse an authority structure within an institution where physical and sexual abuse occurred. The paper raises questions about the solutions currently offered by the modern state and welfare bureaucracies to prevent re‐occurrence of abuse in institutions.

∗This paper was presented to the 4th European Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect, Abano Terme, Padova, Italy, 28‐31 March 1993

Key Word:

• Abuse
• institutions
• power relationships

Notes

∗This paper was presented to the 4th European Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect, Abano Terme, Padova, Italy, 28‐31 March 1993