Child Discipline

On the other hand, Dobson (1970) argues against "extreme permissiveness," and proceeds to make a connection between it and the absence of physical coercion. Dobson's (1970) views will be examined as an alternative to more generally accepted views from the scientific literature. Finally, techniques from the field of behavioral psychology will be offered as alternatives to spanking, or other forms of physical coercion.

In Children Are People Too: The Case Against Physical Punishment, Newell (1989) asserts, "There is an injustice and illogicality in suggesting that it is acceptable to hit children, but that it is quite unacceptable for them to hit others, or for adults to hit anyone else. Hitting people is wrong--and children are people too" (p. 12). Thus begins Newell's (1989) logical and ethical argument against physical coercion. His argument

. . .
gressive if his parents prevent or stop the occurrence of aggressive outbursts instead of passively letting them go on, but prevent them by other means than punishment or threats of retaliation" (Newell, 1989, p. 36). Dobson (1970) is concerned with the undesirable consequences of "ultimate permissiveness" (p. 46). After outlining a veritable catalog of the negative consequences of disciplinary measures, he still maintains that the consequences of ultimate permissiveness are tragic. Dobson's (1970) negative consequences of spanking include: "a child suffers the humiliation of total domination . . . The atmosphere is icy and rigid, and he lives in constant fear. He is unable to make his own decisions and his personality is squelched beneath the hobnailed boot of parental authority. Lasting characteristics of dependency, overwhelming hostility, and psychosis can emerge from this overbearing oppression" (p. 46). It is important to consider that these negative consequences of spanking are from a proponent of spanking! In Dobson's (1970) defense, he does appear to believe in treating children with respect and dignity. Moreover, he appears to only advocate hitting children on the hands or backside. He claims that pain, properl
. . .

Some common words found in the essay are:
Violence Family, Biehler Snowman, Punishment Newell, Watson Skinner--rejected, Dare Discipline, United Kingdom, Dean Herman, Watson Skinner, physical punishment, newell 1989, , Publishers Newell, dobson's 1970, negative consequences, dobson 1970, physical coercion, children people, operant conditioning, hitting children, behavior hitting, cited newell 1989, children people physical, people physical punishment, consequences ultimate permissiveness, found physical punishment,
Approximate Word count = 1645
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page)

More Essays on Child Discipline