CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE - A STUDY OF CONTROVERSY AND CONSTRUCTION

In this article we focus on the construction of and controversy surrou nding child sexual abuse as a social problem in the Swedish context. U sing concepts and approaches from the field of science studies, we inv estigate how the problem has been introduced to the public and by whom . We identify what we call a knowledge-based controversy. The frequenc y of child sexual abuse, the methods of diagnosing it, and the role of the investigator are highly disputed. It would appear that clinical c hild psychologists are especially engaged in this problem construction as well as in controversy with other professionals. Different strateg ies are chosen in order to increase professional legitimacy, and exclu de others' claims to expertise on the subject. Our conclusion is that at present there is no indication that psychologists have reached a mo re comprehensive experience and/or unified knowledge of child sexual a buse than any competing professional group dealing with the issue.