Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs
Taubman Center

Panel Discussion: The Witch-Hunt Narrative: Politics, Psychology and the Sexual Abuse of Children

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Robert Campus Center, Petteruti Lounge

A discussion with Brown professor Ross Cheit, author of The Witch Hunt Narrative: Politics, Psychology, and the Sexual Abuse of Children. Cheit's book, released this month by Oxford University Press, examines a series of high-profile child sex abuse cases in the 1980s empirically challenges the view that these cases were hoaxes. The book shows how a narrative based on empirically thin evidence became a theory with real social force, and how that theory stood at odds with the reality of child sexual abuse.

A reception and book signing will follow the discussion

Panelists:
• Ross Cheit, Professor of Political Science and Public Policy, Brown University
Jennifer Freyd, Professor of Psychology, University of Oregon
Nancy Whittier, Professor of Sociology, Smith College
James Morone, Professor of Political Science and Urban Studies, Brown University

Moderator:
Sharon Krause, Professor and Chair of Political Science, Brown University