Introduction
I believe everyone here agrees that corporal punishment is a wrong, inefficient and unethical way to raise children, especially young ones. But did you know that the States is the only permanent and non-permanent member of the United Nations that is not a signatory to Article 19, which condemns and prohibits all forms of physical abuse of children (Miller-Perrin & Perrin, 2018)? According to them, “196 countries are party to the treaty, including every member of the United Nations except the USA” (p. 1). I believe that the still vague US ethical stance on corporal punishment of young children is a good reason to discuss whether this parenting practice should be used in families.
As stated earlier, the global community negatively perceives parental corporal punishment. Contrary to that, “many parents believe that those who do not use corporal punishment are being permissive parents” (Utter, 2019, p. 313). The question arises as to why social science experts see even the least harmful forms of this, such as light spanking, as an unacceptable and destructive act of parenting, even despite the contrary statements of a significant number of fathers and mothers. Exploring this controversial topic through the lens of related humanities such as psychology and sociology reveals why corporal punishment is considered harmful and objectively is.
Evidence
For example, psychology experts argue that young children and adolescents “experiencing harsher parenting exhibited more antisocial behavior” (Burt et al., 2021, p. 395).
Another group of scientists claims that corporal punishment undermines their cognitive development (Staff Reporter, 2018).
Moreover, physical aggression from parents develops a similar response in children’s behavior that persists even into their adult lives (Del Hoyo-Bilbao, 2018).
As one can see, even in its light manifestations, corporal punishment contributes to multiple psychological disorders, syndromes, and traumas in young individuals. As is well known, a traumatized young generation means a traumatized and dysfunctional future society.
Reasoning
Now it is evident that corporal punishment of young children in families causes severe intergenerational damage at the national level. This discussion raises another question, which is what the American community can do to stop traumatizing our future generations and those of other nations. One possible measure is advocating and promoting non-violent parenting through social institutions that interact with children. These include kindergartens, primary schools, and medical facilities. Another is the public condemnation of corporal punishment for young children through traditional and online media. Public activism at the community, state, and federal levels for the US to sign Article 19 could also bring the necessary change. As Utter (2019) said, the US “should follow the path of the over 50 countries that have started to lead the way in protecting children who cannot protect themselves” (p. 313).
Appeal
It can be said that we, as professionals in the sociological field, are kind of physicians, surgeons, and nurses of the society in which we live and interact. Therefore, our ethical, professional, and even patriotic duty is to treat diagnosed societal wounds and prevent future intergenerational traumas. Here I have outlined the most feasible and effective methods to end and prevent corporal punishment in the American family institution. I encourage you to take these metaphorical medicines and repair kits and start healing and repairing this fundamental social segment. In the end, I hope you will remember this presentation and become social healers after graduation.
Conclusion
It is no secret that corporal punishment has a mixed reputation as an educational practice for young children. Some parents and professionals in the humanities believe that it is harmful, while others think that this measure is sometimes necessary. During this speech, it was made clear that it is an objectively bad way of upbringing kids. Consequently, this practice should be stopped, and I believe that both society and the state should start the change. We, as future sociologists, must become the vanguard of this necessary societal reform.
References
Burt, S. A., Clark, D. A., Gershoff, E. T., Klump, K. L., & Hyde, L. W. (2021). Twin differences in harsh parenting predict youth’s antisocial behavior. Psychological Science, 32(3), 395-409. Web.
Del Hoyo-Bilbao, J., Gámez-Guadix, M., & Calvete, E. (2018). Corporal punishment by parents and child-to-parent aggression in Spanish adolescents. Anales de Psicología/Annals of Psychology, 34(1), 108-116. Web.
Miller-Perrin, C., & Perrin, R. (2018). Physical punishment of children by US parents: moving beyond debate to promote children’s health and well-being. Psicologia: Reflexão e Crítica, 31(16), 1-7. Web.
Staff Reporter. (2018). Corporal punishment feeds the violence in society. Mail & Guardian. Web.
Twin study shows why physical punishment leads to child behavior problems. (2021). UT News. Web.
Utter, M. (2019). Corporal punishment in the house and its affects on children. Children’s Legal Rights Journal, 39, 310-314. Web.