Inventing the ‘normal’ child

Abstract

Constructions of normality and abnormality in discussions of young people changed considerably in the early to mid-twentieth century in many parts of the world, including Australia. The perennial trope of youth as a threat assumed a distinctly new form in this era, as the troubled and troublesome child, the incipient and confirmed delinquent, was reconfigured through emerging knowledges of the human sciences. Exploring the effects of new concerns with the 'normal', this article begins by examining the construct of normalcy and its interdependency with notions of the 'abnormal', particularly juvenile delinquency, as the antithesis of personal and social adjustment. Yet the discursive strategies that saw delinquency, at one level, recognized as a complex and multi-causal problem also construed it as amenable to clinical solutions, notably psychological intervention. The article explores how emergent ideas of the importance of early intervention created divisions between three groups of youthful populations: the 'normal child' deemed well adjusted, the 'problem child' thought to be responsive to adjustive measures, and the 'confirmed delinquent', whose behaviour was considered intractable and was thus unlikely to attain the socially desired status of normalcy.

Prediction, Screening and Early Intervention

“…Since their onset, risk-based approaches to ASB in general (Case 2006;Gatti 1998;Wright 2017), and those based on the life sciences more recently Singh & Rose 2009;Walsh 2014), have been met with a plethora of questions and concerns. While benefits are sensible, pitfalls and drawbacks lurk as well and the science of screening, prediction and early prevention faces a dual-use dilemma.…”

“…First, they fear that this will lead to "selective perception" or "prejudice about these people" (Horstkötter et al 2012: 294). Secondly, they fear that these practices might lead to a situation in which those identified are no longer viewed as "normal" children, and the juveniles greatly feared being labelled abnormal (Wright 2017). As one juvenile put it: "And I know that I am just a normal boy […] We are also normal humans, you know?"…”