Towards a culturally informed ethical foundation for intervention

The cross-cultural study “Cultural Encounters in Interventions Against Violence” (CEINAV) in four EU countries (England/Wales, Germany, Portugal, Slovenia), funded by the joint research programme HERA – Humanities in the... [ view full abstract ]

The cross-cultural study “Cultural Encounters in Interventions Against Violence” (CEINAV) in four EU countries (England/Wales, Germany, Portugal, Slovenia), funded by the joint research programme HERA – Humanities in the European Research area), draws on multi-national comparisons of legal-organizational frameworks and socio-cultural backgrounds of European child protection systems. A series of focus groups using paradigmatic narratives were conducted with professionals from different stakeholder groups in all four states. Interviews with young persons who experienced intervention to end child abuse and/or neglect were followed by a process of creative art work. Data were analyzed with regard to implicit and explicit discursive constructions and normative representations.
Frames and professional orientation in interventions differed in the four countries informing the presence and/or awareness of key ethical issues and dilemmas. The latter varied between both stakeholder groups and countries. Cultural diversity raised further challenges drawing a fine line between cultural sensitivity and “othering”. Many professionals share the normative goal of securing the same right to protection for all children, but a series of possible blocks and barriers emerged. The interviews with young persons indicated the value of a helping relationship to a person of trust, the importance of professionals who recognize their needs and their desire for more self-determination. Instructed by an artist the interviewed young persons created art expressing their experiences with intervention and that of being perceived as members of a minority group. Their works were reflected in direct contact with researchers and practitioners.
After summarizing core findings of the three year project, the presentation will introduce the study’s transnational foundation for culturally informed ethical guidelines for good practice in intervention against child abuse and neglect.