Spanking: meaning, definitions and examples

Historical Origins

• The word originates from the late 19th century, derived from the English word 'spank,' which may have roots in the old Dutch word 'spanken', meaning to ‘to strike’.
• In the past, spanking was widely accepted as a normal part of parenting and was often practiced openly in schools and homes.

Cultural Perspectives

• Views on spanking differ heavily across cultures; some societies see it as a traditional method of discipline, while others have banned it altogether.
• In some Indigenous cultures, parents have historically used different forms of discipline that involve community guidance rather than physical punishment.

Psychology

• Research shows that corporal punishment, including spanking, may lead to increased aggression and behavioral problems in children.
• Studies indicate that children who are spanked may exhibit lower self-esteem and diminished mental well-being compared to those who are not.

Legal Perspectives

• Laws regarding spanking vary significantly; some countries have outright banned corporal punishment, labeling it as child abuse.
• In the US, it's legal in certain contexts but is increasingly challenged by child advocacy groups aiming to promote non-violent discipline.

Modern Alternatives

• Many experts now recommend positive reinforcement and time-outs as effective alternatives to spanking, encouraging better behavior without physical punishment.
• Parenting programs and resources often emphasize communication and empathy as growth-oriented strategies for child discipline.

At rank #25,374, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

• ...
• 25371 troll
• 25372 giraffe
• 25373 naivete
• 25374 spanking
• 25375 batted
• 25376 belie
• 25377 unipolar
• ...