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"Sara Scott's book is a very powerful work, not
only in terms of the subject matter and the politics of
intense violence and violation that it explores, but
also as a commentary on methodology and the nature of
power. She thus contributes to the empowerment of
survivors and the breaking of closures on debate and
intervention." - Professor Jeff Hearn, University of
Manchester, author of 'The Violences of Men'
"Through
exemplary use of theory and research Scott's analysis of
ritual abuse moves forward key debates within feminism,
therapy and social science more generally. This eloquent
book confirms established sociological wisdom that great
insights are produced from skilful research into
boundary cases." - Lois Bryson, Emeritus Professor,
Research Institute for Gender and Health, University of
Newcastle, Australia
"...very carefully researched,
argued and presented. It contains some very important,
if highly shocking and disturbing material, which is
handled in a highly sensitive way." - Professor Mary
Maynard, Department of Social Policy and Social Work,
University of York
"This book makes an important
contribution to the existing literature and debate on
ritual abuse, as well as to the understanding of
gendered violence and abuse more generally." - Marianne
Hester, Professor of Sociology and Social Policy,
University of Sunderland
We live in an era
characterised by contradictions, not least in relation
to the issue of ritual abuse, which emerged as a social
problem only to have its existence immediately
challenged by a discourse of disbelief. While many
academics have ranked amongst the sceptics in this
debate Sara Scott is a sociologist who takes her
respondents seriously - as well as acknowledging the
interests and experiences which have shaped her own
position. The Politics and Experience of Ritual Abuse
offers insight into why ritual abuse has become such a
contested issue, while enabling the reader to explore
the meaning of 'ritual abuse' through the accounts of
those who claim direct experience. Drawing on her
research with adults, who identified themselves as
survivors, the author argues that the wholesale
dismissal of such accounts as 'false memories' produced
by a 'moral panic' may be somewhat premature.
The
Politics and Experience of Ritual Abuse has been written
for anyone interested in the specific controversy over
ritual abuse, including students and researchers in
criminology, social work, sociology and women's
studies.
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