Perceptions of students and parents on the use of Corporal Punishment at Schools in India

Abstract

Violence against children is continuing in schools across India in spite of the strict laws against the use of Corporal Punishment (CP) at schools. The purpose of this study is to identify the reasons for the perpetration of corporal punishments at a random selection of Indian schools as experienced by the students. The population of the sample is small but and the result may be indicative and at the same time may not reflect the condition in the whole of India. The study focuses on the notions of violence within family and the actions of violence which are socio-culturally judged as acceptable in the form of CP at school. The findings show that students moderately approve violence in the form of CP at schools. The findings also suggest that perceived parental approval of CP highly influenced the children to psychologically adjust and approve the violence at schools. The study further suggests the need to strengthen the bonds of trust among parents-child relationships in order to curb the menace of CP at schools.