Social Isolation and Maltreatment

1
Social Isolation and Maltreatment

• Social environment is critical to an individuals
  socialization. This has been found to be true
  even among non-human primates (eg. monkeys,
  chimpanzees, etc.).

2
Isolation and Non-human Primates

• Some research has been conducted to study the
  effects of social isolation on non-human primates
  raised without contact with others of their own
  species .
• These experiments showed the negative impact of
  isolation on monkeys who had been isolated for
  the first 6 months of their lives. They became
  fearful, hostile and mal-adjusted, and were never
  able to relate properly.
• Humans rely heavily on social learning. The
  process of socialization for humans, then, is
  even more important.
• Examples Anna, Genie (see p. 107)

3
Child Maltreatment

• Studies show that the most common for of child
  abuse is neglect. Child neglect occurs when a
  childs basic needs (eg. Emotional warmth and
  security, adequate shelter, food, health care,
  education, clothing, protection) are not met,
  usually over a long period of time.
• Child abuse is linked to
• 1) power imbalance between adults and children
• 2) social inequalities

4
Social Isolation and Maltreatment

• A childs risk of being abused is increased by
  discrimination based on race, sex, sexual
  orientation and class.
• Example Many children who were sent to
  institutions (eg. orphanages, residential
  schools, homes for children with disabilities)
  were abused.
• Most of these children came from marginalized
  social groups
• Aboriginal children
• children from racial / ethnic minorities
• children with physical or mental disabilities
• children living in poverty

5
Social Isolation and Maltreatment

• Please read p. 106-108.