Personal and social preconceptions in the formation of psycho/sociological theory

Freud's seduction hypothesis and the case of child sexual abuse

pp. 399-404

in: Michael E. Hyland, William J. Baker, René van Hezewijk, Terwee (eds), Recent trends in theoretical psychology, Berlin, Springer, 1990

Abstract

In this paper I will argue that we, as scientists, are influenced by various factors which lie outside the paradigm of objectivity. Personal as well as social factors influence the formation of psycho/sociological theory. To illustrate some of these influences I will discuss the possible factors which contributed to Freud's rejection of the seduction hypothesis. His ideas at the time of their presentation were unacceptable, but now, almost a century later, changes have occurred within society which have made a more open discussion possible. The factors which might have contributed to this openness and which in effect have influenced our insights concerning child sexual abuse will be reviewed.

Cited authors

Freud Sigmund