Sociology Paper: Spanking

Spanking.  It is astounding to see how this one simple word can create such passionate point of views in our society. On one side of the issue are those who firmly believe that spanking, or any physical act of disciplining children, is cruel, inhumane, and can generate longterm detrimental affects on children. On the other side are those who firmly believe that spanking, as a form of discipline, is an effective means by which parents can correct poor behavior in their children. There seem to be compelling arguments on both sides of the issue; however, I am firmly in the camp of those who believe that spanking, and I will define this in more detail soon, is an appropriate means of disciplining children.

        In our current society, mainstream media definitely appears to be staunchly on the side of promoting the notion that spanking children can have extremely harmful and longlasting negative consequences on children.  Take for example the following headlines: “How Spanking Harms the Brain;”^[1] “The Case Against Spanking;”^[2] “Studies Link Spanking Kids to Aggression, Language Problems; “^[3] and “Spanking children slows cognitive development and increases risk of criminal behavior.”^[4]  With headlines like these plaguing regular media coverage, it is suprising to note that 90% of the parents of toddlers spank them.^[5] Despite this negative attention, it is also interesting to note that roughly two-thirds of all Americans approve of spanking children.”^[6] This is an interesting paradigm when it would seem that mainstream psychologists and scientific researchers seem to be driving home the notion that spanking children is damaging.

        In order to dig into the details of this, it is important to begin at the basics and clearly define what spanking is.  According to Google® definitions, spanking is defined as “an act of slapping, especially on the buttocks as a punishment for children.”  What I find interesting about this definition is the term “punishment.”  This term seems to imply the notion that harsh infractions deserve harsh punishment; and what is this harsh punishment? You got it, spanking. In our mainstream society, the term punishment is closely associated with very strong, and negative connotations. We commonly hear the terms “corporal punishment” and “cruel and unusual” punishment. Regardless of the context its being used in, the term punishment is usually associated with an extremely negative act. Instead of using the nomenclature of “punishment,” in relation to spanking, I believe it would be more appropriate to use the term “discipline.”  

        Spanking in children should not be used as a form of punishment, but rather as a means to discipline or correct.  In addition, my personal stance on this is heavily guided by my religious beliefs. Throughout Scripture (the Bible), spanking is depicted as an appropriate means to assist in correction of children’s misbehaviors. Chip ingram, from the Christian organization “Focus on the Family” states it this way: “…the Bible’s word on discipline clearly demands that parents be responsible and diligent in spanking, but strongly prohibits physical abuse of any kind.”^[7] It is a very balanced, reasonable, and controlled in approach and should not be done out of motives of anger or retaliation.