Overview
This lecture covered the case of Genie Wiley, a child subjected to extreme social isolation and abuse, examining the effects on her development, subsequent rescue, and the broader topic of feral children.
Feral Children and Social Isolation
- Feral children are raised with little to no human contact, often lacking language and social skills.
- Severe isolation during childhood leads to abnormal behavior and difficulty adapting to society.
- Myths of animal-raised children exist, but many cases involve abuse and deliberate isolation by adults.
Genie's Family Background and Early Life
- Genie was born to Clark and Irene Wiley; her father was abusive, controlling, and isolated his family.
- Clark believed Genie was mentally disabled and prevented any interaction, neglecting her care and nutrition.
- Genie's early physical issues included hip dislocation and malnutrition, but no confirmed cognitive disability.
Genie's Captivity and Rescue
- Genie was locked in a dark room for 13 years, restrained, and rarely exposed to language, movement, or sunlight.
- Her father forbade speaking to her and punished any noise; physical and psychological abuse was constant.
- The family's isolation prevented neighbors from knowing about Genie's existence.
- At age 13, Genie and her mother escaped; a social worker discovered Genie's condition and alerted authorities.
Medical and Psychological Findings
- Genie's development was comparable to a 13-month-old; she was underweight, unable to chew, and could not walk properly.
- She lacked language, social skills, body language, and normal emotional responses.
- Tests showed she was not born disabled; the abuse and isolation caused her deficits.
Rehabilitation and Aftermath
- Genie made progress in the hospital, learning words, emotions, and basic self-care.
- She lived with several foster families, showing improvement but facing setbacks due to instability and further abuse.
- Her father committed suicide before trial; her mother regained custody but was unable to care for her long-term.
- Genie was eventually placed in a care facility where her privacy is maintained.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Feral Child — A child raised in isolation from human contact, lacking language and social skills.
- Social Isolation — The absence of normal social interactions, critical during early development.
- RH Incompatibility — A condition where maternal antibodies attack a fetus's red blood cells.
- Cognitive Development — The progression of thinking, problem-solving, and language abilities in children.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review case study details for exams on child development, psychology, or sociology.
- Read more on language acquisition and critical periods in development.