Sociology: The use of Spanking as a form of discipline
Section 1-Introduction
Spanking has been used and still is applied as a form in discipline in many contemporary societies (William et.al, 2009, p 272). It is sociologically defined as striking the buttocks in an effort to discipline and not cause physical bodily harm to the individual. Usually, it is adopted towards children, but research has shown where in some cultures husbands spank their wives (Bennett, 2006).
However, there are reports that it does affect children adversely. As such, this research seeks to address whether this statement is true and if it is, to what extent is spanking creating damage to self esteem; emotional pain or disturbance as well as dysfunctional relationships among parents and children; more importantly, reasons for parents persisting with this form of discipline.
Section 11—Field Study
The scientific method utilized in this study employed a qualitative design, applying interviews derived from an interviewing schedule. These items were constructive after intensive literature review on the subject from previous studies.
Implementation procedures encompassed selecting a sample of parents. It was intended that at least 10 persons be interviewed, but responses from a total of 11 were eventually solicited. All responses were offered by mothers, who have had opportunities to spank their children.
Analysis of Data
Six out of the 11 sampled parents would continue spanking; 3 would not; 1 would if the child did not learn from previous experience and 1 the question was not applicable. Two parents supported their responses with strong biblical explanations for spanking. Two did not believe that it was really discipline, but just a scare; two proposed that it should not be dispensed with anger since it can produce anger within the child, respectively.
Section 111--Comparison with text and previous study
When compared to previous studies and the text these findings are not fully consistent. With 9 out of 11 parents still believing in spanking it is evidence that parents do not feel it affects children negatively. The difference lies in the issue of whether relationships among parents and children are compromised and low self esteem is expressed in the child during spanking years or after (Baumrind, et.al, 2002). More in-depth investigations are recommended in this regard.
Section 1V- Conclusions
This research experience was conducted with the aim of finding supporting evidence through a survey to prove assumptions projected by the text that spanking has negative implications on children being spanked. Arguments advanced were, children when spanked from early life into adolescent years develop low self esteem which is demonstrated as antisocial behavior.
During this field study one mother expressed that she discovered her children to be angry after being spanked and this created some communication barriers between her and them for a period of one day or week despite coercion to restore harmony. She predicted that later it may cause problems in their relationships with others since they can become physically abusive (Taylor et.al, 2010)
For me it was a very beneficial learning experience in realizing that perspective written in books as studies have to be validated within a cultural context. Two respondents were very antagonized by the thought of ever thinking that spanking was wrong because it has been defined biblically as a means of discipline.
References
Baumrind Diana; Cowan P, Larzelere Robert. (2002).Ordinary Physical Punishment: Is it
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Bennett, Rosemary (20 September 2006). "Majority of parents admit to smacking children". The
Times (London)
Taylor CA, Manganello JA, Lee SJ, Rice JC. (May 2010). Mothers' spanking of 3-year-old
Children and subsequent risk of children's aggressive behavior. Pediatrics 125 (5):
e1057–65
William Brian, Sawyer Stacey, Wahlstrom, Carl (2009). Marriages, Families, and Intimate
Relationships: A Practical Introduction. (2nd Ed.) Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
