Body techniques of vulnerability

the generational order and the body in child protection services

Lars Alberth

pp. 67-88

in: Martin Endreß, Benjamin Rampp (eds), Violence - phenomenological contributions, Human Studies 36 (1), 2013.

Abstract

The paper seeks to analyze children's bodily vulnerability as grounded in generational order. The thesis is put forward, that the generational order is embodied via body techniques of vulnerability, deployed both by adults and children. In presenting results from research on professional responses to child maltreatment and neglect, three sets of age related body techniques of vulnerability are identified, concerning caregivers, professionals and the children itself.