spank

Spank

Introduction

The term corporal punishment means the intentional infliction of pain on the body for purposes of punishment and includes slapping, hitting with objects, pinching, shaking and forcing to stand for long periods of time. Family researchers define corporal punishment as "the use of physical force aimed at causing children to experience pain but not injury, for the purposes of correction and control of youthful behavior" (Day 1998 83). The term "spanking" is a form of physical or corporal punishment.

The general acceptance, and sometimes support, of corporal punishment as a method of discipline is an aspect of the American culture (Ember 2004). Children are abused, in part, because they are unable to defend themselves against stronger and more powerful adults. Researchers only recently have recognized that spanking is used primarily with young children and that the incidence and severity of spanking often diminishes by the time children are 8-10 years of age (Day 1998 80).

Discussion

Consistent use of corporal punishment has been an indicator of less effective parenting and is commonly linked to socialization out comes such as delinquency, low self-esteem, and social incompetence (Day 1998 81).

The child's temperament and personality directly affect the parents ability to employ non physical discipline strategies. Consequently, children who are perceived as difficult are more likely to be spanked than those who are not perceived as difficult (Day 1998 81).

Older parents who have more education will have more experience raising children, will know more about alternative and nonpunitive strategies of discipline, and will have a greater sense of personal maturity and self-control, all of which may reduce inclinations to spank (Day 81).

There is a widely held tradition in western civilization that "sparing the rod spoils the child" (Day 1998 81). Spanking is deeply rooted in the history and culture of our nation as well as ...