The Banning of Corporal Punishment in the School System and the Creation of the Desired Society in Modern World: The Raging Controversies

Abstract

This paper examines the longstanding practice of school discipline, a fundamental aspect of educational management that has evolved over the centuries. It also explores the controversies surrounding the decision to out-law corporal punishment and its potential impact on the development of a disciplined and cohesive society. It also investigates the implications of this shift for the modern educational system. School discipline has traditionally been seen as a means to control students' behaviour while fostering the development of desirable character traits. The discipline is believed to prepare learners for their future roles in society. Teachers, who are primarily responsible for creating and enforcing discipline policies, have employed a variety of disciplinary approaches, including corporal and psychological forms. Among these, corporal punishment has been the most widely used, often ranging from mild to severe measures, and is viewed by some as a necessary means to maintain order. However, corporal punishment is frequently associated with potential harm, including physical injury, and is sometimes labelled as violent. In response to these concerns, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) recommended in 1991 the abolition of corporal punishment in schools. This recommendation has sparked significant debate among key stakeholders in education, many of whom argue that banning corporal punishment is inappropriate. The significance of this paper lies in its contribution to the ongoing discourse on how school discipline shapes not only individual student development but also the broader societal fabric, fostering a stable, progressive, and well-disciplined society.