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Indeed, my conclusion from a lifetime of psychohistorical…

“Indeed, my conclusion from a lifetime of psychohistorical study of childhood and society is that the history of humanity is founded upon the abuse of children. Just as family therapists today find that child abuse often functions to hold families together as a way of solving their emotional…” quote by Lloyd deMause
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“Indeed, my conclusion from a lifetime of psychohistorical study of childhood and society is that the history of humanity is founded upon the abuse of children. Just as family therapists today find that child abuse often functions to hold families together as a way of solving their emotional problems, so, too, the routine assault of children has been society's most effective way of maintaining its collective emotional homeostasis.”

Lloyd deMause

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Argues that child abuse has been historically used to stabilize societies by channeling collective emotional tensions.

In simple terms: Child abuse is seen as a tool for societal emotional balance.

Key Takeaway

Address systemic abuse to heal collective trauma.

Themes

childhood society abuse

Mood

somber critical

Type

analytical historical

When to use this quote

  • family therapy
  • policy reform
  • educational curricula
  • community outreach

Key Concepts

psychology history social control

Questions to Reflect On

  • What alternatives exist for emotional regulation?
  • How can societies protect children while maintaining cohesion?
A Different Perspective

Risk of generalizing complex causes of abuse.

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