The "participating victim" in the study of erotic experiences between children and adults: an historical analysis

Arch Sex Behav. 2011 Feb;40(1):169-88. doi: 10.1007/s10508-009-9553-z. Epub 2009 Dec 29.

Abstract

During the 20th century, erotic experiences between minors and adults occupied a position of increasing interest, both public as well as scientific. In this area of research, one of the most notable evolutions in how these experiences are treated has been the progressive disappearance and/or the intense redefinition of what earlier researchers called "participating victims," i.e., minors apparently interested in accepting and/or sustaining these relationships. The present work, through a comparative analysis of the literature, seeks to substantiate this transformation during the second third of the 20th century. It will also argue that this evolution can be fundamentally explained in terms of the intense emotional, moral, and ideological importance that is ascribed to these experiences in the rise of the current victimological paradigm. Finally, this study endeavors to contribute to the understanding of childhood and the scientific study of child sexuality as well as of these experiences with adults.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / psychology
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / statistics & numerical data*
  • Child Behavior
  • Crime Victims / psychology
  • Crime Victims / statistics & numerical data*
  • Erotica
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Minors / psychology
  • Minors / statistics & numerical data*
  • Morals
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology
  • Sexual Behavior / statistics & numerical data*
  • Sexual Development
  • Social Environment
  • Social Facilitation*
  • Social Perception
  • Social Values