Sweden became the first country to ban corporal punishment of children thirty years ago. Now, more than 24 countries have similar bans on corporal punishment in the home, and more than than 100 countries ban schoolteachers and administrators from hitting their students. Eva Svedling, a sociologist with the organization Save the Children Sweden, tells host Michel Martin how the ban has affected the lives of children and parents in the country. Then, Martin turns to the program's regular panel of moms — Jolene Ivey, Dannette Tucker and Aracely Panameno — for more on their decision to spank, or not spank, their children, and if an anti-hitting ban like Sweden's could ever be passed in the U.S.
via www.npr.org
Very interesting NPR story on corporal punishment. The spankers seem to have a hard time understanding that the representative from Sweden is not saying that you should not discipline your children. She is stating that you have to draw a line between violence and non-violence with children. She then makes the point that the child is an individual also deserving of human rights, and we would not allow this behavior towards other individuals.
I just wonder how much childhood spanking contributes to the enjoyment of spanking as part of sexual play/pleasure as an adult. (Equating love with punishment and spanking.)
And yes, many people do like to be spanked as a turn on. “ooooOOO, Daddy, I’ve been a bad boy. Teach me a lesson. OOhhh yeahhhh!!!! That’s what I like!”
Come to think of it. I kinda like a good spanking myself.
It’s impressive that Sweden got away with this. I’m reading a book entitled Authoritarianism & Polarization in American Politics right now, because why right-wing people think the way they do and I don’t think that way is fascinating to me.
The authors’ survey to identify degree of authoritarianism is all about behavior of children. Historically these surveys have always included some statement about spanking and authoritarians believe it is necessary for social order.
Anyway, it’s a thought.