Difference and danger: the cultural dynamics of childhood stigma, rejection, and rescue.

Abstract

This paper presents a brief overview of some cultural, ecologic, and demographic influences on the treatment and maltreatment of infants and children with congenital anomalies. Based on research on the selective neglect of infants leading to death in parts of the developing world, it is suggested that such practices be viewed as "ethno-eugenic" survivalist strategies altogether distinct from malicious child abuse and neglect in the modern, industrialized world. Caution with respect to heroic (and not so heroic) medical interventions and "child saving" in the contexts of both developing and modern societies is stressed.