Daniela Angi, Gabriel Bădescu, Sorana Alexandra Constantinescu, Viorela Ducu, Áron Telegdi-Csetri

When Children Need Protection from Parents: Citizens’ Views of the Bodnariu Case in Romania and Their Determinants

Article Information

Pages: 39-60

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24193/RJPS.2024.1.03

Daniela Angi, Gabriel Bădescu, Sorana Alexandra Constantinescu

Babeş-Bolyai University, Faculty of Political, Administrative and Communication Sciences, General Traian Moşoiu 71, 400132 Cluj-Napoca, Romania, angi@fspac.ro, badescu@fspac.ro, sorana.constantinescu@fspac.ro

Viorela Ducu

Babeş-Bolyai University, Faculty of Sociology and Social Work, 28-130 21 Decembrie 1989 Blvd, 400604 Cluj-Napoca, Romania, viorela.telegdi@ubbcluj.ro

Áron Telegdi-Csetri

Babeş-Bolyai University, Centre for the Study of Transnational Families, Minerilor 85, 400409, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, aron.telegdi@fspac.ro

Abstract. The article examines the relationship between child protection policies and public attitudes in Romania through the lens of the Bodnariu case in Norway (also known as the Naustdal case). We use data collected through a representative survey of the Romanian adult population to explore citizens’ attitudes toward this case. Our analysis reveals several compelling insights. Even five years later, more than half of the respondents vividly recall the Bodnariu case, and a significant majority of them express dissatisfaction with its handling. Notably, religiosity and views on the church-state relationship emerge as robust predictors of public perception of child protection services in Norway and the role of Romanian authorities. Gender, age, and education also exert significant influence. At the same time, those who remember the case tend to exhibit greater support for non-democratic alternatives, including a church-led regime.

Keywords: child protection; child protection systems; Bodnariu case; Norway; Romania; corporal punishment.

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