The Challenge of Construct Fundamentalism: CSA as Invasive Exploitation?

Abstract

© 2017, Springer International Publishing. Sexual violence against children is a high priority crime in most countries. Population surveys are critically important in attesting to the substantial rates and are a prerequisite for much needed global coordination to combat this physically and emotionally invasive form of assault. Special content in sexual violence, covering a broad range of sub-areas including child sexual abuse (CSA), is in a unique position to clarify the requisite common ground in conceptualization so as to achieve some consensus and common elements in definition. This article discusses three partial themes in the issue: (1) the impact of CSA for both sexes, (2) the impact of CSA for new populations and outcomes, and (3) victimization in broader context. I argue a fourth theme, construct fundamentalism, characterizes this issue and much of the research literature. I offer the concept of invasive exploitation as an example of what alternatives to construct fundamentalism might look like.