Corporal Punishment is a Necessary Evil: Parents’ Perceptions On The Use Of Corporal Punishment In School

Abstract

Corporal punishment in Zimbabwe is a “hot potato” that is bringing challenges both on the legal and cultural fronts. My interest in doing this study stems from the Supreme Court ruling that ruled the use of corporal punishment is unconstitutional. After the ruling, it became imperative to understand the views of different people pertaining to the use of corporal punishment, especially in schools because that is where it is prevalent. For this study I sought to discover and understand the perspectives and worldviews of parents with regards to the use of corporal punishment in schools. I used the basic interpretive approach for this qualitative research study. A sample of nine participants was selected during one visitation weekend at the school. I collected data through interviews and was analyzed through conventional content analysis. The research findings revealed parents advocated for the continuance in use of corporal punishment. The study revealed that parents considered that corporal punishment had immediate benefits, future benefits, and was also cited in the Bible. The study recommends that Zimbabwe as a country should come up with laws on corporal punishment use that do not erodes its cultural values nor break children’s human rights.

Keywords

• Corporal punishment; necessary evil; discipline; parents; biblical context

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