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Spanking
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Spanking is the use of force to discipline.
LinguisticsThe verb "to spank" has been known in English since 1727, possibly onomatopeic in nature.
English and several other languages have a specific, common verb for "spanking", that distinguishes it from corporal punishment applied on the buttocks. Thus in Latin the only word derived from "culus" (buttocks) was "culare" meaning "to spank", similar to the Italian "sculacciare" ; in Spanish "azotes" ; in French, the verb is "fesser", also from "fesses" (buttocks). All of these terms testify to the historical or persisting prominence of this punitive target in many cultures.
It is almost always in relation to hitting children, not adults.
What and howDefinitionsSpanking, by today's definition, consists of striking the buttocks, usually as a physical punishment, with either an open hand or an implement.
In the United States and Canada, all discipline applied to the posterior is usually known as spanking or whupping. In Great Britain and many Commonwealth countries, smacking or whacking is used as the general term; with spanking usually referring to bare-handed discipline (as opposed to implement-specific forms of spanking such as paddling, caning, birching and slippering).
There are many alternative terms, often linked with an implement (such as belting, caning, whipping), but also sometimes used more generally (such as thrashing, whacking, or whupping) or using terms for a stroke (usually in the plural), such as blow, swat (hence swatting), lick (hence licking) and less common ones including onomatopoeias such as "pop". Terms such as hiding or tanning can also be used.
- The (mainly informal) terminology used is often determined by the punisher's point of view, with terms such as lesson, medicine, ordeal, therapy, (woodshed) treatment), even helping, sometimes adding unnecessary adjectives such as firm, (jolly) good, healthy, sound, well-deserved, even (long) overdue; if the spankee is taken notice of, then as helplessly suffering the painful effects, as in: blistering, grilling, roasting, humbling.
- Sometimes there is another specific term for a spanking on the seat of the trousers, as the Dutch pak voor de broek ('swats on the pants').
- Similarly there can be analogous words for spankers, as the Dutch bilslager ('buttock beater') and the French (Frère) Fesseur ('(brother) spanker'), both referring to a cleric, especially in the Jesuit order, specifically charged with the professional administration of spankings on the (typically bared) buttocks of naughty pupils in reputedly strict Catholic schools; in Paris's St. Lazaire prison the rod was administered on the bare buttocks of criminals by a member of the Lazarist order referred to as the Père fouettard ('whipping father') as allegedly happened to the writer Beaumarchais.
Scope of punitive useThe two subsections group the various spanking spheres for convenience: the 'domestic' model spanks in a parental mentality, intending to (re)educate the spankees, often 'for their own good', and more informally, which often includes the use of conveniently available objects made for another purpose, such as a hairbrush, belt, pointer (rod), Physical punishment yardstick, wooden spoon, spatula, or other various household objects. Meanwhile, the 'judicial' model essentially aims to enforce the social code, be it the (formal or customary) law or a substitute order, 'for the common good' (raison d'état, social cohesion, public safety and morality...), usually with a traditional, often even formally imposed implement.
Domestic modelSpankings are administered in particular to children by their educators, i.e. mostly (biological, step-, adoptive- or foster-) parent or guardian and school -, orphanage etc. staff. Race and gender have a significant influence on child spanking. Black children and male children are more likely to be hit at home and school, and spanking of boys tends to be more frequent than spanking of girls. Many countries in Europe, as well as New Zealand, have outlawed the domestic spanking of children. In 2007 the Australian government spent 2.5 million dollars on a campaign to persuade Australian parents not to spank their children. The legal status of parental discipline in the US is determined on a state level, and is increasingly in flux, with some states, such as California, considering outright bans (these moves have so far failed), and others detailing guidelines within which spanking remains legal.
Spankings were however also, especially in the past, administered to other persons considered as legal (and/or moral) minors (sometimes illegally still treated as such), including;
- Spouses and Servants (especially domestics; British judge Sir Francis Buller was famously accused of advocating such punishments)
- Often copied from domestic discipline, as in fraternities and sororities (originally living units where seniors and/or staff wielded the paddle rather like parents at home), and sports and other teams (though now usually only as 'play' in hazing and rarely as actual coercive sanction) and other initiation context, as with recruits (in military, police and some other professions).
- Informal spankings in the domestic context can also occur in an institutional environment, parallel to the more formal punishments, when administered by the victim's peers.
Judicial modelIn many cultures and legal systems it was common to administer judicial and prison beatings on the buttocks (convicts by definition are at the mercy of the authorities ; even today severe punishments, even the dreaded judicial 'Singapore' cane, are awarded to enforce internal prison rules in various countries).
For obvious practical reasons adults are rarely spanked over knee or lap, rather bending or bound over some object, or construction or standing or hanging (as usual for punishment above the waist) against a wall or whipping post.
The parallel with child discipline may be part of the deliberate use of public humiliation as punishment. Hence, the condemned is often bared, completely or partly to expose the buttocks, or only covered for modesty, with little protection against the instrument; this is still usual under sharia in many countries. While even the back is sometimes left clad for an Islamic whipping, as in Saudi Arabia, in (ethnically mainly Chinese) Singapore and (Muslim) Malaysia the target is always the bare buttocks.
- Often the strong arm of the law — mainly (para)military and police, charged with the physical execution of corporal punishment — and some similarly hierarchical organisations, has particularly strict internal discipline, usually enforced internally (as by court-martial, or in 'minor' cases simply by the superior officer), which in many traditions entailed punishing the culprit's (often bared) tail-end;
- especially navies, where order must be maintained in confined spaces at all cost, are renowned for stern discipline, and some measure of it not unknown in merchant naval traditions either, but usually only 'boys' (including midshipmen, though) were spanked, adult sailors rather had their back and/or shoulders lashed;
- in general the treatment of boys under arms has at least a measure of the parentalistic 'educational' discipline, often meaning they are more likely to have the bare bottom punished;
- when martial law is imposed (formally or de facto), at home (as in Pakistan under former president General Zia ul Haq ) or under military occupation, such harsh practice is often extended to the civilian population (more difficult to control and/or less respected) as well, even limiting normal process of law; while regular corps discipline is generally conducted within quarters or correctional facility, to 'whip' the masses into obedience public administration is often preferred for maximized deterrence; yet in some cases the accusations of 'war crime'-type punishment are somewhat hollow because the occupied country often already used similar physical coercion, e.g. Korea publicly caning the criminal's bare behind over a bench before and during the Japanese rule
- Judicial corporal punishment is still used in some post-colonial, non-Islamic countries, including caning or even the cat o' nine tails in certain Commonwealth nations.
- Traditional justice such as in tribal chief's courts not infrequently includes spanking, sometimes even carried out by the regular police force.
- Even where corporal punishment is illegal, or very restricted, it rather often is a common weapon for so-called vigilante justice, sometimes tolerated or even legally legitimated by the authorities (as in various parts of Africa, e.g. Botswana), sometimes practiced by rebels (as in Nepal), often remarkably popular with the general public or a large section where official 'modern' western-style justice seems unable to stem crime, as in South Africa.
- The Empress Theodora is reported to have spanked a courtier :
- Finally, there are cases of 'summary justice' which do not fit the vigilante logic, but still intend to enforce a social order by improvised corporal punishment, such as some Bolivian bus drivers using a belt on strike-breaking colleagues on the streets, or “In French pit villages the wives of striking miners confronted scabs and humiliated them by removing their trousers and spanking them.” -Lynn Abrams, The Making of Modern Woman (New York: Pearson Education Limited, 2002), 203.
Spanking in schoolsIn some schools, spanking is allowed as a means of disciplining students. Such schools often allow elementary students (ages 6–11), intermediate students (ages 10–13), and high school students (ages14 –18) to be so disciplined.
School corporal punishment is banned in most of the western world, including every country in Europe, Japan, South Africa and New Zealand. Sweden was first to ban spanking at schools in 1958. Conversely, some advanced countries in Asia still use it, including Singapore and South Korea..
Marilu Henner (b. 1952) actress, occasional parenting book author
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968) - According to a news interview with his late daughter, Dr. King never spanked any of his children and did not believe in it.
Jeff Charles - Retired teacher, author of "Southern Education" and founder of www.nopaddle.com
David Daniel and Blythe Daniel - Co-Founders, We The Children Foundation and www.wethechildren.com.
Robert Fathman, Ph.D. - Clinical Psychologist, Co-Founder of EPOCH-USA and President of the National Coalition to Abolish Corporal Punishment in Schools
Nadine Block - Co-Founder of EPOCH USA.
Ruth Beaglehole - Founder and Executive Director, Center for Non-Violent Education and Parenting
Penelope Leach - British author of parenting books.
Alice Miller - PhD in philosophy, psychology and sociology, as well as a researcher on childhood, is the author of 13 books, translated into thirty languages.
Dr. Phil McGraw - American television personality, psychologist, author
Professor Deana Pollard Sacks - Law professor and board member of EPOCH-USA and PTAVE.
Alternatives to spankingOpponents of spanking state that there are numerous methods of non-violent child discipline which they think are at least as effective as spanking, and without the negative side-effects that they attribute to spanking.
Minimal use of spankingDespite the intensity of the controversy over spanking, positions between the two extremes are also common. Indeed, it may be that most people do not support either of the extreme views discussed above. Many parents believe that spanking is not inherently abusive and can sometimes be an effective form of discipline, but also believe that it should usually be avoided. Some, for instance, use spanking only when a child does something dangerous and it is critical that an immediate, lasting impression must be made. Others point out that individual differences in temperament have a great effect on the way children respond to discipline, and criticize both extreme positions on spanking as taking a "one size fits all" approach. They argue that spanking may be the most effective form of discipline for some children, but that it should only be used on those particular children who respond well to spanking and do not respond to alternative methods of discipline.
Studies show that the nuerochemical effects of spanking are analogous to the effect produced by taking mild stimulants such as Ritalin or methylphenidate; thus individual temperament and brain chemical balance are key factors in an individual's response to receiving or witnessing a spanking.
Legal situationSchool corporal punishment is banned in most western nations. All of Europe (including the United Kingdom) and New Zealand have banned school corporal punishment. Sweden was first to ban corporal punishment at schools in 1958. In Australia and Canada, corporal punishment in state schools is banned, while it is partially or completely banned in private schools, in some states.e United Kingdom, the striking of children by teachers was made illegal in state schools in 1986 and extended to all schools in 1996. An amendment to the Children Act 2004 to ban striking of children by parents was defeated by 424 votes to 75 in the House of Commons; however, an amendment to ban parents from striking their children hard enough to leave a mark was accepted by 284 votes to 208, and came into force in January 2005 . In January 2006, the UK’s four child commissioners called for a full ban on striking of children, even by parents, but this has been rejected by the government.
According to Save the Children, spanking of children within families is illegal in 24 countries:
| Year of ban | Country | Comments |
|---|
| 1979 | | Spanking forbidden/Corporal punishment of any kind forbidden | | 1983 | | Spanking forbidden | | 1987 | | Spanking forbidden | | 1989 | | Spanking forbidden | | 1994 | | Spanking forbidden | | 1997 | | Spanking forbidden | | 1998 | | Spanking forbidden | | 1999 | | Spanking forbidden | | 2000 | | Spanking forbidden | | 2000 | | Spanking forbidden | | 2000 | | Spanking forbidden | | 2003 | | Spanking/Corporal punishment forbidden (Up to 3 years in jail or high fine) | | 2004 | | Spanking forbidden | | 2004 | | Spanking forbidden | | 2005 | | Spanking forbidden | | 2006 | | Spanking forbidden | | 2007 | | Spanking forbidden | | 2007 | | Spanking forbidden | | 2007 | | Spanking forbidden | | 2007 | | Spanking forbidden | | 2007 | | Spanking forbidden | | 2007 | | Spanking forbidden | | 2007 | | Spanking forbidden | | 2008 | | Spanking forbidden (1st May 2008) | | as of 2008 exceptions | | Spanking allowed, smacking on face and head prohibited | | as of 2008 exceptions | | Spanking allowed, implements forbidden to be used on children under 24 months | | as of 2008 exceptions | | Spanking forbidden by local courts | | as of 2008 exceptions | | Spanking forbidden by local courts | | as of 2008 exceptions | | Spanking forbidden by local courts | | as of 2008 exceptions | | Spanking forbidden by local courts | | as of 2008 exceptions | | Spanking allowed, marks on body prohibited | | as of 2008 exceptions | | Spanking allowed, with restrictions |
On May 16 2007, New Zealand passed the Child Discipline Bill which scrapped Section 59 of the Crimes Act 1961, which had previously allowed parents to use "reasonable force" in correcting their children. Child welfare groups expressed concern about the wide judicial discretion seemingly given even to cases of 'discipline' that involved physical implements. It had previously outlawed corporal punishment within its educational institutions in 1989. However, the new law orders police not to prosecute "inconsequential" offences.
Similar initiatives in the U.S. have repeatedly failed. Parental rights groups have formed since the 1990s to prevent spanking from being criminalized. Critics of these organisations ask why these organisations assert a parental "right" to corporal punishment without acknowledging equivalent parental responsibilities. Some critics also state that children's rights should come first, and parental rights should come second. Advocates of parents' right to spank their children reply that (a) to assert a parental right to responsible use of corporal punishment is itself to acknowledge parental responsibility, namely, the parental responsibility to correct children by reasonable use of physical force, and (b) it is not "putting parents' rights ahead of children's rights" to assert that children have a right to parental guidance and correction, including correction by spanking. Groups in the United States seeking a ban on spanking are Parents and Teachers Against Violence in Education and EPOCH-USA . Groups opposed to such a ban include Family Integrity , and The Family Defense Network of Ohio . The various forms of allowable spanking vary from state to state, but most states generally allow spanking as a form of discipline. The Supreme Court of Canada has, as of 2004, upheld a law which allows spankings by parents, caregivers, and teachers, but has restricted the law to only apply to children ages two to twelve.. However, Canada now bans spanking children younger than 24 months or older than 12 years, and bans the use of any implements (belts, paddles, etc.).
United Nations human rights standards discourage all corporal punishment, including spanking. But the assumptions and motives behind the UN's position have been questioned . In particular, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child does not itself mention corporal punishment.
In November 2007, lawmakers in Massachusetts are proposing legislation banning parents from spanking their children, even in the home.
Non-punitive and voluntary spankingsSpanking exists in spheres of life distinct from punishment. Note the issue of legal consent which may or may not represent a defence to criminal liability for any injuries caused during the spanking. Apart from the erotic and from fraternity/sorority type initiations, which have their origin in educational (domestic or boot camp) types of discipline, these include:
Folkloristic spanking traditionsIn Latvia there is a tradition of hard spanking on Palm Sunday (called Pussy willow Sunday) morning. The spanker sneaks into the potential spankee's bedroom and wakes him or her up. the whipping is done with pussy willow branches or (rarely) birch. This ritual spanking is often applied to the bare buttocks. Usually young men catch girls or young women and order them to bend over for spanking. Spanking on the bare bottom was optional, but in some areas completely naked whipping with pussy willow branches has been done too. Sometimes spanking is done in early morning with aspen tree birch, while people are sleeping naked or in nightgown.
Religious customsOn the first day of the lunar Chinese new year holidays, a week-long 'Spring Festival', the most important festival for Chinese people all over the world, thousands of Chinese visit the Taoist Dong Lung Gong temple in Tungkang to go through the century-old ritual to get rid of bad luck, men by receiving spankings and women by being whipped (as in the Ancient Roman -unisex- Lupercalia); the number of strokes to being administered (always lightly) by the temple staff is decided in either case by the god Wang Ye and by burning incense and tossing two pieces of wood, after which all go home happily, believing their luck will improve. One prime example of a pagan Czech Easter celebration is the "pomlazka". Farmers used to believe that a strong whipping after the winter period guaranteed health, prosperity, and most importantly a good harvest. It is only the women who are given a good spanking on bare posteriors with whips made of willow twigs, decorated with colourful ribbons. It is mainly younger boys who go from door to door, hoping to thrash a few girls on their naked buttocks to get some eggs in return, while singing traditional Easter carols. After strong spankings, boys come and throw girls in a stream, or put girls' heads under a water pipe to be sure to give a good shower.
Birthday spankingThere is a custom in certain circles to administer spankings to the buttocks of the birthday celebrant. Customarily, the person receives the number of smacks corresponding to his or her age, plus "one to grow on", often harder than the rest, and sometimes a "pinch to grow an inch". A possible origin of this tradition is the smack often given to newborn infants intended to help them start breathing.
Adult spankingAdult spanking is a highly contentious form of discipline spanking that is frequently mis-categorized and misunderstood. The controversy stems from a multitude of sources. First, there are those that prefer to consider spanking in this form as something that can only occur between a parent and a child. This opinion is backed up by the APA who includes parent - child relationship as part of the definition. Second, there are few recognized legitimate scientific studies that have been conducted on the subject. The leading source of funding for such research is an organization that earns its revenue through the promotion of entertainment spanking services leading skeptics to question the legitimacy of the work . Third, the lack of credible licensed practitioners often leads to individual claims of group membership through self-diagnosis, affirmation from others who have made similar claims and a variety of alternative therapists. A study by McNulty and Wardle suggests that attempts to seek help through typical support channels may lead individuals to seek comfort through unconventional means.
Adult spanking differs from traditional parent-child spanking in that the act is between two consenting adults. Adults engage in the activity for several different reasons. The most common is simply playful spanking amongst people engaging in other intimate activities. There are two groups of people whose use of spanking is discipline related. The first group incorporates spanking as part of their overall belief system in how a husband and wife should interrelate (see domestic discipline).
The second group considers spanking to be an essential component of their recovery and/or development. These individuals subscribe to the notion that they require some form of retraining or reparenting to be able to function as adults. They claim that the act of spanking is a necessary mechanism for modifying the behavior of the adapted child ego state of the adult being spanked. The idea is extracted from Alexander’s claim that a corrective emotional experience was required to allow patients to repair traumatic influence of previous experiences. They claim is not without merit as preliminary studies into this class of adult spanking indicate that participants have suffered from some form of childhood abuse. However, there is evidence to suggest that these individuals are in fact “stuck” in the earlier stages of recovery and lack the appropriate support to move on.
As a sexual actSpanking is a part of sexual foreplay for some adults, often as a lighthearted playful activity. There is a genre of pornography that incorporates spanking as a sexual fetish.
See also
External links-
- (American Psychological Association)
- (APA Psychological Bulletin Journal
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Pro-spanking
http://www.smartspanking.com
Anti-spanking-
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- An advocacy site containing the writings of the creator of the alt.parenting.spanking newsgroup on Usenet
- Organisation aimed at banning smacking in the United Kingdom
Children's views
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