The rise and rise of prevention science in UK family welfare: surveillance gets under the skin. (17th November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: White, Sue
• Is Part Of: Families, relationships and societies. Volume 6:Number 3(2017)
• Page Start: 427
• Page End: 445
• Publication Date: 2017-11-17
• Subjects: FAMILY POLICY -- BIOLOGY -- CHILD WELFARE -- EARLY INTERVENTION -- PREVENTION -- SURVEILLANCE; Families -- Research -- Periodicals; Families -- Periodicals; Intergenerational relations -- Periodicals; 306.805
• DOI: 10.1332/204674315X14479283041843
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-7435

Abstract

Abstract : This article examines the forms of knowledge used to warrant investment by the state in 'early intervention' in the lives of disadvantaged children and families. It argues that these are supported by the same logics as those associated with the more intrusive and coercive interventions, which may culminate in the permanent severance of biological and kinship ties. Such interventions are located within the paradigm of prevention science, steadily gaining momentum and influence. The invocation of science is salient, with research and evidence-based practice being prominent in its discourse. Prima facie, early intervention initiatives are a 'helping hand' but, as a consequence, the material circumstances and behaviours of parents, and what is increasingly inferred to exist inside their bodies and brains, become objects of legitimate state scrutiny.