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[69]
freely to the best of their potential. He discusses two types of societies, Le. egalitarian
and non-egalitarian. In the fonner society, every individual is considered equal in
respect of social, economic and political rights. Everyone is given an equal chance to
compete for desired goals. In the latter society, organized around the principles of
competition, there will inevitably be winners and losers and the unfair distribution of
rewards. Those who compete successfully, will be able to maximize their potential,
while those who do not, will be severely limited in their ability to realize theirs. Such
societies will be more likely to nse force to maintain the under-lying system of
inequality. Gil's views reflect in part the view of Marx, socialist Bonger and radical
criminologists Turk & Quinney (Ooete et al. 1980: 149-155).
They see society as consisting basically of two classes, i.e. those who own and control
the means of production and those who work for it. The owners fight to keep what
they have, promulgate laws to protect their interests, and frequently invoke the use of
force to protect their interests. Gil (1975: 352) says that the use of force rests on
cultural definitions favourable to its use and is functional for two reasons. Firstly, by
preparing children to fight in a competitive society, and secondly, because it enables
parents to relieve their tensions and frustrations and is emotionally fulfilling.
(5) South African studies pertaining to child abuse
The recognition and management of child abuse in South Africa is still a relatively
recent phenomenon which needs to go a long way before any solutions are found. The
major work in this field has occurred during the last fifteen years, within which time
child abuse units have been established, and seminars, workshops and meetings held,
consisting of multi-disciplinary team members.The problem in South Africa is
compounded by the plural nature of the society, and the fact that more than half of
the total population live well below the bread-line in stressful conditions conducive not
only to abuse, but numerous other social problems as well (Chetty 1986 : 64).