Constructing Lived Experiences

Claudia Bernard, Goldsmiths College, University of London, UK

• Contents: Introduction; Setting the scene: representations of mothers in child sexual abuse discourses; The research methodology and conceptual framework; Divided loyalty: mothers’ emotional and behavioural responses to the abuse of their children; Mothering in the aftermath of abuse; Balancing needs and risks; Conclusion: ways forward for practice intervention with black families; Bibliography; Index.

’There is a considerable body ofl iterature on child sexual abuse and the experiences of mothers. However, much of thisliterature has failed to focus on the experiences of minority ethnic families in the united Kingdom. Claudia Bernard's book, based on original empirical findings, addresses this imbalance and thereby makes an important contribution. Bernard challenges the colour-blind and homogeneity perspectives of previous research.’ International Social Work ’What makes Bernard’s work especially valuable are her analyses of the ways in which racism and gender oppression can both harm the mother/child relationship and can leave children less protected from sexual abuse. This book likely will be of interest to social workers involved with children and families, particularly those who are concerned with child welfare. It also will be valuable to readers who are interested in a largely unexamined aspect of the mothering experience.’ Journal of the Association for Research on Mothering