Personal and Social Preconceptions in the Formation of Psycho/Sociological Theory: Freud’s Seduction Hypothesis and the Case of Child Sexual Abuse

Summary

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.