Abstract
Much research into family violence and abuse has focussed on the defining characteristics of different kinds of abusive behaviour. This paper draws attention to one possible common aspect of all family abuse; namely the asymmetry of power between the abuser and the victim. This is most commonly characterised as either the mis‐use of unequal generational or gender power. The issue of the mis‐use of power in family relationships is examined in relation to the extent to which it is socially sanctioned, varies among different social groups, and is a part of “normal” family relationships. The intergenerational transmission of attitudes towards power use is considered. It is argued that certain patterns of parenting, which are not currently regarded as abusive, may pre‐dispose individuals to misuse power in an abusive manner in later adult life. The implications of this view for future research in this area are discussed.
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