Prevalence and Demographics

of Corporal Punishment

I. Prevalence

Studies over the past 20-30 years, generally show 70-90% of parents believing it is sometimes "necessary to discipline children with a good, hard spanking". The Gallup agency has reported a drop in endorsement of this statement from 84% in 1986 to 50% in 1994. Data from two Minnesota communities found 55% endorsement in 1993 and 48% support in 1995. (Straus) Flynn's 1988 data showed 80% endorsement overall and ranged from 53% by college- educated Northeasterners to 92-93% by Southern males and rural residents.

In terms of actual practice, studies generally show corporal punishment (especially spanking) to be widely used, with some 90% of parents (or children) reporting having used it at least once. (Although Gallup's 1995 poll found only 77% reporting lifetime use and 57% use within the past year.) Studies which ask about use within a specific recent time period (the last week, the last six months) report lower proportions than lifetime use reports, but still substantial proportions --perhaps 40- 70%, depending on age of target children (see below).

II. Demographics

1. Parents are somewhat more likely to use CP with boys than with girls.
   (Gallup, 1995; Graziano & Namaste, 1990; Simons, Johnson, & Conger, 1994; Straus, 1994; Straus & Gelles, 1990)
   
   
2. Younger children (ESP 2-3 year olds) are much more likely to receive CP than are older children.
   (Gallup, 1995; Giles-Sims, Straus, & Sugarman, 1995; Larzelere, 1986; Straus, 1983; Straus, 1991; Wauchope & Straus, 1990)
   
   
3. Overall, there seems to be little difference between mothers and fathers—but fathers may be somewhat more likely to endorse and mothers somewhat more likely to use CP. But mothers tend to do more of all aspects of nurturance and discipline.
   (Flynn, 1994; Gallup, 1995)
   
   
4. Parents with more children may be more likely to favor CP than are parents with one or a few children.
   (Flynn, 1994)
   
   
5. Unmarried mothers may use more CP than married mothers.
   (Gallup, 1995; Giles-Sims, Straus, & Sugarman, 1995)
   
   
6. Younger parents may be somewhat more likely to endorse and use CP than are older parents.
   (Flynn, 1994; Giles-Sims, Straus, & Sugarman, 1995; Straus, 1994)
   
   
7. Low SES parents may be somewhat more likely to use CP, though most studies found little difference.
   (Flynn, 1994; Gallup, 1995; Giles-Sims, Straus, & Sugarman, 1995; Sears, Maccoby, & Levin, 1957; Straus & Camacho, 1993)
   
   
8. Better educated parents are less likely to endorse and use CP.
   (Flynn, 1994; Gallup, 1995; Scarr, 1995; Straus, Gelles, & Steinmetz, 1980)
   
   
9. Regional differences: Southern parents are most likely to endorse and use CP; Northeastern parents (esp New England are least likely).
   (Flynn, 1994; Giles-Sims, Straus, & Sugarman, 1995; Reed, 1971; Scarr, 1995)
   
   
10. Rural parents appear more likely to endorse and use CP than are urban parents.
    (Flynn, 1994; Giles-Sims, Straus, & Sugarman, 1995)
    
    
11. Parents of color (esp African-American) are more likely to endorse and use CP. Perhaps more accurately, parents of color (except probably American Indians) subscribe more to CP—but little difference in actual use.
    (Flynn, 1994; Giles-Sims, Straus, & Sugarman, 1995; Stark & McEvoy, 1970; Straus & Camache, 1993)
    
    
12. Religion: Fundamentalist Protestants most likely to endorse and use CP; Jewish low in use; Catholics appear less likely to use than are Protestants.
    (Carey, 1994; Elison & Sherkat, 1993; Flynn, 1994; Giles-Sims, Straus, & Sugarman, 1995; Greven, 1990; Wiehe, 1990)
    
    

R. Pitzer
Univ of MN Extension
10/97

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