Child neglect as a culture-based concept: A systematic review and implications for studying and measuring child neglect

Background: Child neglect is widely acknowledged as a culture-based concept. The conceptualization, thresholds, and definitions of child neglect are heavily informed by cultural norms on “good parenting”. Yet, the cultural nuances in the definitions are not reflected in the widely accepted instruments that are used to measure neglectful behaviours. 

Objective: This systematic review aims to unravel the cultural norms that underpin the conceptualization and definition of child neglect across different communities, and to discuss how these cultural norms are implied in the measurement tools used for studying child neglect. 

Methods: Following the PRISMA procedure for systematic reviews, we conducted a search from four databases (Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL and PsychInfo) for relevant articles published between 1960 and 2024. Findings from 25 articles that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed thematically. 

Results: The included studies were conducted in countries from four continents: Africa, North America, Asia and Europe. Norms of community collective responsibility to childcare, gender norms, intergenerational kinship and lineage norms, and norms on obedience and respect, were the cultural norms that influenced the conceptualization of child neglect. Norms that sanction and mandate all community members to be responsible for the care of children underpinned the construction of child neglect as a ‘community failure’.

Conclusion: The findings highlight the need to develop context-based and culturally informed tools for measuring child neglect behaviours in different communities. It also underscores the need to critically investigate cultural norms within the context of child wellbeing, as some of the cultural norms could legitimize child exploitation.