Ethical Theories Of Child Abuse

Looking at the topic of child abuse from different ethical theories can provide different viewpoints for the reader, as well as open new doors and ideas to help the subject matter. The effects child abuse has on a child can be many as well as extreme. These effects include academic problems, dissociation, anxiety, depression, disorders, self-harm, and many more. “Ethical theory is about significant ethical obligations involving all people and any other entities, which have moral standing.” People who have any sense of morals would not stand to see a child abused by another person, standing up for what is right is what ethics and morals is truly about. The first ethical theory viewpoint I chose was Confucianism, I thought …show more content…
Early parent child relationships are very important in how the child will turn out which is why child abuse and Confucianism can be so closely related. Looking at child abuse through this point of view studies often relate it to how Chinese children were brought up. In the Chinese culture children are raised to be obedient, and when they refuse consequences occur and often times it involves slapping, and harsh punishment for something as little as a bad test grade. Depending upon how the child is raised and brought up this can either positively influence their morals or cause them to rebel. When a parent over does these harsh acts it often affects the kids negatively and causes them to turn on their morals. When the parents find a balance of discipline and correctly enforce rules the child will react in a more positive manner and learn how the parents want them to learn. The second ethical theory I chose to compare and contrast is Rule Utilitarianism. This rule aims to maximize happiness. Actions are considered right when they follow a rule that maximizes happiness overall. Sometimes the action itself does not maximize happiness in that particular …show more content…
The first way to prevent child abuse is to make the subject more known, and shine more light on the terrible acts of child abuse. Another great idea would be an open place at schools and promote the idea of in school therapy where a child could go and talk in a safe environment and get help. Children often times keep their abuse a secret because they often fear if they tell they will be hurt and threatened to a further extent. Lastly, and the most important way to help a child is to report acts of violence or signs you witness to a superior or the police. People often ignore the signs or avoid them and mind their own business, this is how people get hurt and problems don’t get