Corporal Punishment
English 101
4/22/13
The Status of Corporal Punishment In the United States, corporal punishment has been a common method in disciplining children and youth since colonial times. Murray A. Straus, a scholarly author defines corporal punishment as, “the use of physical force with the intension of causing a child to experience pain, but not injury, for the purpose of correction or control of the child’s behavior”(4). Until the late 20th century teachers were allowed to hit children. The ruler was a punishment commonly used in primary schools in the 20th century. Throughout history until recently most parents hit their children. However in the late 20th century and early 21st century public opinion turned against corporal punishment and in several countries it has been banned. Most urban public school systems, even in states where it is permitted, have abolished corporal punishment. There is a reason for this ban, and making the act prohibited throughout schools. Corporal punishment, or the spanking of children is an ineffective and redundant way to discipline in any environment. Despite some people thinking it is an effective way, I disagree because corporal punishment is counterproductive, relatively ineffective, dangerous and harmful according to research findings. Corporal punishment has not been found to be an effective means of achieving positive long-term developmental outcomes, such as moral internalization or social problem solving. Corporal punishment threatens the physical well being of the child. Physical harm is a repeated risk, particularly for young children, and the more often it is used the more likely it is to progress too severe forms of violence.
4/22/13
The Status of Corporal Punishment In the United States, corporal punishment has been a common method in disciplining children and youth since colonial times. Murray A. Straus, a scholarly author defines corporal punishment as, “the use of physical force with the intension of causing a child to experience pain, but not injury, for the purpose of correction or control of the child’s behavior”(4). Until the late 20th century teachers were allowed to hit children. The ruler was a punishment commonly used in primary schools in the 20th century. Throughout history until recently most parents hit their children. However in the late 20th century and early 21st century public opinion turned against corporal punishment and in several countries it has been banned. Most urban public school systems, even in states where it is permitted, have abolished corporal punishment. There is a reason for this ban, and making the act prohibited throughout schools. Corporal punishment, or the spanking of children is an ineffective and redundant way to discipline in any environment. Despite some people thinking it is an effective way, I disagree because corporal punishment is counterproductive, relatively ineffective, dangerous and harmful according to research findings. Corporal punishment has not been found to be an effective means of achieving positive long-term developmental outcomes, such as moral internalization or social problem solving. Corporal punishment threatens the physical well being of the child. Physical harm is a repeated risk, particularly for young children, and the more often it is used the more likely it is to progress too severe forms of violence.