Beschreibung:
Physical Punishment in Childhood explores the fine line between normalized physical punishment and illegal or unacceptable physical and emotional abuse of children. It presents important insights into this controversial issue from children, parents, grandparents and professionals who work with children. The authors reflect upon the status of children in societies that sanction physical punishment, the motivations and justifications for its use, perceptions of its effectiveness, and its impact; they also explore the power of the language used by parents, professionals and the media to describe physical punishment.
Acknowledgements. 1 Introduction. 2 Childhood and physical punishment in historical perspective. 3 Legal responses to physical punishment. 4 Conducting sensitive and ethical research with children and adults. 5 Experiences of physical punishment at home, at school and in public places. 6 Public and professional perceptions of the effectiveness of physical punishment. 7 The subjugation of children through language and physical punishment. 8 The effects of physical punishment. 9 The persistence of physical punishment. 10 The morality of physical punishment. 11 An ideal childhood. References. Index.