Topic > The evolution of corporal punishment in education

IndexIntroductionGreek and Roman eras (800 BC – 476)SpartaQuintilianLate Middle Ages – Early Modern Age (500 – 1700)Modern Era (1700 – present)Corporal punishment in Canadian schoolsCorporal punishment in schools AmericanConclusionReferencesIntroductionThe history of school corporal punishment can be traced back to ancient times, dating back to well before 500 BC. Although the precise origin of corporal punishment remains unclear, the first examples of school corporal punishment were documented in ancient Greece , 800 BC to 500 BC Throughout Greek and Roman antiquity, a controversial debate persisted over the use of corporal punishment in education. This article delves into the evolution of corporal punishment in schools over 2500-3000 years, focusing on ancient Greece, ancient Rome, medieval Europe, and modern regions of Canada and the United States of America. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Greek and Roman eras (800 BC - 476) The earliest evidence of school or classroom environments dates back to a period before 500 BC These documents describe a tragic incident that occurred in Chios, Greece, where the structure of a classroom collapsed, resulting in the death of 119 students. During this historical era, corporal punishment played a vital role in education, and rigorous discipline was common. Corporal punishment, defined as the application of physical force to an individual in an attempt to change behavior, was administered even for minor transgressions. The punishments were severe, regardless of the severity of the crime. In particular, corporal punishment was not reserved exclusively for those who had committed illicit acts; it was also inflicted on those who failed to complete tasks in a timely manner or maintain proper posture. Examples of corporal punishment included, but were not limited to, beatings, floggings, public humiliation, and even death sentences. During this period, corporal punishment was not seen solely as a punitive measure or harm inflicted on children; instead, it was perceived as a tool to empower and prepare them for their future roles in society. Sparta During this era, one of the most infamous cases of corporal punishment was the "whipping contest" that took place during the festival of Artemis Orthia. This event was an integral part of the upbringing and education of young males. In the flogging competition, the boys were subjected to violent beatings, sometimes even fatal, while they attempted to steal the cheese from the altar of Artemis Orthia. This competition served as a way to educate kids about resilience, problem solving, trial and error, and observational learning from their peers. These lessons had significant importance for a boy's future, particularly during his mandatory military training. Although these extreme examples of corporal punishment were relatively common and widely accepted, there were some notable individuals who expressed their opposition to its use in an educational context. Quintilian Opposition to corporal punishment in schools is not a recent phenomenon. Predictably, not everyone has embraced the idea of ​​corporal punishment as an educational tool. One of the leading figures of this era who challenged the use of corporal punishment in education was Quintilian. Quintilian's dissenting view is clearly articulated in the following passage: "I do not agree that students should be caned. First, because theflogging is a shame and therefore is suitable only for slaves and is certainly an insult, an indisputable fact if you replace a Second, because if a boy has such an intractable character that he cannot be corrected with reproaches, he also hardens to your blows, just as the worst slaves are." In addition to this passage, Quintilian believed that learning should be rewarded, and those who are unwilling to complete their studies should not face physical punishment but instead witness the recognition and rewards that their peers demonstrate by their desire to learn. Despite opposition, corporal punishment remained prevalent. Late Middle Ages – Early Modern Period (500 – 1700) Vincent of Beauvais, a French scholar, was among the medieval philosophers who supported punishments. corporal punishment as a cornerstone of effective education (education contested). The rationale behind the use of corporal punishment varied, but among the perceived benefits was the belief that fear served as an initial step towards knowledge and understanding, that Physical discipline could shape both mind and body, instill morality, facilitate learning from past mistakes, and enforce obedience. This perspective began to change for many after 1690, when John Locke, often hailed as the “father of liberalism,” published “Concerning Human Understanding.” Locke's philosophy assumed that children were blank slates who could be improved through guidance rather than discipline. He argued that disciplining children would not: "... lead him to fall in love with his book; to take pleasure in learning and to wish, as he does, to be taught more, than those around him deem appropriate always to teach them... We have reason to conclude that great care must be taken in forming the minds of children and in giving them that early seasoning, which will influence their lives forever "Up to this point in history, there had been limitations . debate over whether or not children should be subjected to physical punishment within the school environment. Over the next few centuries, laws relating to corporal punishment were enacted, and the idea of ​​physically punishing children gradually fell out of favor in many countries around the world. Modern Era (1700 – present) Another significant factor that pushed for the abolition of corporal punishment in schools was the global movement to abolish capital punishment, also known as the death penalty. In 1863, Venezuela emerged as a pioneer by completely abolishing capital punishment, setting an example for many other nations to follow. Shortly after the end of World War II, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was established to safeguard the rights of every individual. It was during this historical period that the use of corporal punishment in schools began to decline in some regions of Canada and the United States. However, even after addressing this issue, it was simply recommended to limit its use and therefore no specific guidelines or restrictions were imposed. Between 1890 and 1920, the issue of corporal punishment in schools sparked debate in Canada and the United States, partly due to growing student enrollment. When teachers in the United States began to unionize, their focus shifted to the importance of teaching and no longer managing behavioral problems in the classroom. However, in the 1950s and 1960s, a regression to the previous approach occurred, with corporal punishment once again taking center stage in schools. This resurgence was fueled by concerns that children might become uncontrollable and engage in behaviordelinquents without rigorous discipline. As of 2016, the United States of America, Australia, and 67 other countries still legally allow corporal punishment in schools, despite it being considered a violation of the law. human rights of the individual by many. Corporal Punishment in Canadian Schools The movement to abolish corporal punishment in Canadian schools gained momentum after 1968, following the publication of the "Living and Learning" report, now known as the "Ontario Hall-Dennis Report", authored by Emmett Hall and Lloyd Dennis. The first Canadian province to amend its education/school law and officially ban corporal punishment in schools was British Columbia in 1973. Ontario was the last province to revise its education law to reflect the prohibition of corporal punishment, except forManitoba and Alberta, which have yet to recognize the prohibition of corporal punishment in their educational acts. However, in Manitoba and Alberta, corporal punishment remains illegal due to the national ban on such practices in schools, implemented in 2004. Since 2004, corporal punishment in the school setting has been illegal in Canada and no form of punishment may be employed physics. under any circumstances. The only situation in which an educator may use force against a student is in self-defense or in defense of another individual. Now that corporal punishment is illegal in Canadian schools, there is a growing movement to outlaw all corporal punishment directed at children as GOOD. Section 7 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms states that "the right includes freedom from the threat of physical punishment or suffering", effectively making physical punishment illegal. However, it is not strictly illegal if administered by a parent, unless it is done out of anger, frustration, or loss of character. Corporal Punishment in American Schools Unlike Canadian schools, where corporal punishment has been completely banned, the United States of America still allows corporal punishment in public schools in 19 states and private schools in 48 states. This practice is not limited to specific age groups and extends to preschool students as well. As defined by the Texas Education Code of 2013, corporal punishment includes the intentional infliction of physical pain through methods such as hitting, paddling, spanking, slapping, or any other form of physical force used for disciplinary purposes. Some counties in the 19 states have even established guidelines specifying sizes and recommendations for wooden rackets. For example, in Pickens County, Alabama, it is suggested that a paddle measuring two feet long, three inches in diameter, and half an inch thick be used to punish students. Surprisingly, there is a similarity between behaviors punished today and those punished in ancient times. While most modern corporal punishment cases involve incidents such as student fights, bullying, or alcohol use on school trips, nearly 40 percent of cases, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), involve very less serious such as inappropriate language behavior, cell phone use, failure to complete homework, running or laughing in hallways, mispronunciation of words, leaving class without permission, and lower than average grades. While corporal punishment is not illegal in the United States, data from two national polls conducted by Survey USA and Julie Crandell of ABC News, as presented by NCBI, indicate that 72 percent and 74 percent of respondents believe teachers do not they should have the authority to administer corporal punishment to students. Keep in mind: