An Analyses of the Institution of the Catholic Church from the Perspective of New Institutional Economics and as a 'Carrier of History' (David, 1994) in the Handling and Reporting of Child Sexual Abuse, Given its Role as a Social Institution within Wider Irish Society

Abstract

This paper analyses the institution of the Catholic Church from the perspective of new institutional economics and as a “carrier of history” (David, 1994). This paper surveys the relevant body of literature and applies it directly to the problem of the lack of reporting of and the improper handling of child sexual abuse by the Catholic Church, given its role as a social institution within wider Irish society.