A Systematic Review of the Relationship between Economic Inequalities, the Social Gradient and Child Abuse and Neglect

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An inequality perspective fundamentally shapes our understanding of child abuse and neglect, the goals of policy initiatives, and the necessary courses of action. We conducted a systematic review investigating the relationship between economic inequalities, the social gradient, and child abuse and neglect. Research in several countries consistently demonstrates that children in the most deprived areas are significantly more likely to be involved in child protection services or placed in out-of-home care. The articles in this review underscore that the relationship between economic status, social gradients, and child abuse and neglect is multifaceted and extends beyond a simple dichotomy of poverty.