Child abuse and social class

Purpose The objective of this study was to analyze eight selected social and personal variables and their relationship to child abuse in white collar and blue collar families. Prior studies of child abuse have usually focused on families of lower socioeconomic standings other than middle class. This is partly due to easier access to this information plus a greater amount of information already existing on lower socioeconomic families. Since it is information on child abuse of families in the middle class that is insufficient, class status determination will be limited to white collar and blue collar social status. The major hypothesis guiding this study was that no significant differences would exist between blue collar and white collar families with regard to these eight selected variables. Methods This study uses a survey questionnaire form to gather data. Analysis of the information consisted of separating respondents into categories of child abuse, blue collar, and white collar social status, and the eight selected variables for determining social class differences. Chi- square contingency tables were used to establish significant relationships between the eight personal and social variables relative to child abuse in blue collar and white collar families. Findings 1. This study indicates that there is a significant relationship between the variable of ethnic background and social class of abused children. 2. This study indicates that there is significant relationship between the variable of father’s discipline and social class of abused children. 3. This study indicates that there is significant relationship between the variable of a father’s drinking habits and social class of abused children. 4. This study indicates that there is a significant relationship between attempted suicide and social class of abused children. 5. This study indicates there is a significant relationship between the variable of running away from home and social class of abused children. 6. This study indicates there is a significant relationship between the variable of a mother’s drinking habits and attempted suicide and running away from home by her children. 7. This study indicates there is a significant relationship between a father’s drinking habits and a father’s discipline.