Cultural Variations
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To the left is a video from the news and politics series by GeoBeats (YouTube) that will briefly introduce you to the diverse ways many parents around the world use to discipline their children. Note how different cultures have different views regarding spanking and the use of other forms of punishment.
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The Cultural Prevalence of Spanking in the U.S.
Spanking is most prevalent in African American families.
Research suggests that this prevalence is a result of racial fears. African American mothers are adamant in controlling their children's, particularly sons', highly active behavior. They worry that these behaviors may draw negative attention from others who harbor stereotypes regarding aggression in African American youths (Straus, 2009).
Research suggests that this prevalence is a result of racial fears. African American mothers are adamant in controlling their children's, particularly sons', highly active behavior. They worry that these behaviors may draw negative attention from others who harbor stereotypes regarding aggression in African American youths (Straus, 2009).
To the right is a video from the Dr. Drew's Lifechangers show (YouTube) with more information about why spanking is so much more prevalent in African American families. Is spanking a cultural habit? Does it have anything to do with U.S. history and how African Americans were treated in the past? The issue of spanking in African American communities is still hotly debated.
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The Geographic Prevalence of Spanking in the U.S.
High Prevalence in Southern States
Higher Rates of Spanking in Southern States
Flynn (1994) believes that spanking is widely accepted as a form of punishment for discipline, especially for much of the American South.
The reason for this is arguable, but most debates waver between:
1. Lower Socioeconomic Status (SES)
As poverty rates continue to rise, Southern states continue to receive the hardest hit (Curry, 2011).
Stress from being in a low SES affects the discipline responses of parents. It tends to make them more impatient and aggressive when dealing with their children. This is what arguably causes parents to easily "lose it" at even the slightest bit of bad demeanor.
2. Gospel-led Behavior
Southern states tend to rank near the top in religious commitment (Goldman, 2009).
Proverbs 13:24 says, "He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly".
Flynn (1994) believes that spanking is widely accepted as a form of punishment for discipline, especially for much of the American South.
The reason for this is arguable, but most debates waver between:
1. Lower Socioeconomic Status (SES)
As poverty rates continue to rise, Southern states continue to receive the hardest hit (Curry, 2011).
Stress from being in a low SES affects the discipline responses of parents. It tends to make them more impatient and aggressive when dealing with their children. This is what arguably causes parents to easily "lose it" at even the slightest bit of bad demeanor.
2. Gospel-led Behavior
Southern states tend to rank near the top in religious commitment (Goldman, 2009).
Proverbs 13:24 says, "He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly".
Cultural Similarities
Most cultures agree that spanking is a form of discipline.
Findings from a Cross-cultural Study:
A Comparison between American & Japanese College Students
Attitude Toward Physical Punishment (ATPP) tests were conducted on students from two ethnicities, Japanese and American. Respondents were asked to rate their responses from a five-point scale of strongly disagree to strongly agree to questions regarding their attitude towards physical punishment, i.e. “Is it ok to hit children?” (Chang, Pettit & Katsurada, 2006).
The following conclusions were drawn:
U.S. students have a more favorable attitude towards physical punishment. A higher percentage of U.S. students reported being physically punished (hit with an object) at a younger age than Japanese students. Cultural influences may not be the only reason for this. Students from both ethnicities who, as children, experienced spanking had a more favorable attitude towards physical punishment than those who had never experienced spanking. Those who were spanked reported that they understood the reasons why they were spanked and also realized the benefits spanking had in helping them develop their discipline.
Findings from a Cross-cultural Study:
A Comparison between American & Japanese College Students
Attitude Toward Physical Punishment (ATPP) tests were conducted on students from two ethnicities, Japanese and American. Respondents were asked to rate their responses from a five-point scale of strongly disagree to strongly agree to questions regarding their attitude towards physical punishment, i.e. “Is it ok to hit children?” (Chang, Pettit & Katsurada, 2006).
The following conclusions were drawn:
U.S. students have a more favorable attitude towards physical punishment. A higher percentage of U.S. students reported being physically punished (hit with an object) at a younger age than Japanese students. Cultural influences may not be the only reason for this. Students from both ethnicities who, as children, experienced spanking had a more favorable attitude towards physical punishment than those who had never experienced spanking. Those who were spanked reported that they understood the reasons why they were spanked and also realized the benefits spanking had in helping them develop their discipline.