Citation

Kotanen R. Child. Soc. 2018; 32(2): 110-120.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, National Children's Bureau of the United Kingdom, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/chso.12234

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study explores perceptions of parent to child violence, the arguments for imposing legal regulation, and the intended objectives of the legislative process that led to a ban in Finland in 1983. This qualitative policy analysis examines policy documents alongside expert interviews with professional on the legislative process. The example of Finland shows that a significant change in attitudes and decreased levels of violence towards children can be achieved without the threat of legal punishment, even without specific intervention policies. However, the study emphasises the importance of establishing clear practices alongside altering legislation which has been inadequate in Finland.

Language: en

Keywords

legal regulation; legislation; parent to child violence; physical punishment; problem representation