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Playing devil's advocate, there are a number of real world examples of relationships with power, authority, equality differentials where we'd still not be comfo

Playing devil's advocate, there are a number of real world examples of relationships with power, authority, equality differentials where we'd still not be comfortable with corporal punishment. For example, teacher/student, employee/boss. After thinking about it more, one rationalization is that we assume it's for the kids' greater good and kids don't know what's best for them while adults do. Of course, one must believe corporal punishment is an effective way to train behavior and the purpose when used is truly to improve the kid's well being.

lsc 10y ago
My only point is that there shouldn't be an authority difference in a spousal relationship.
deleted 10y ago
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sjg007 10y ago
How about, don't hit anyone, ever? The only reason corporal punishment was used is because it causes an immediate response but that is one driven by fear. It is control by violence which is by definition a form of domestic violence. As a society we only accept it now in situations by law enforcement. But even then that is limited acceptance (for example in the United airlines incident). As a simple example, you don't teach someone to not hit someone by hitting them. Maybe that model was effective as animals but as humans we have much more powerful behavior modification techniques. For example, the only thing that really works to modify behavior and generate long term compliance is positive reinforcement. The science is clear. Kids live in the moment. Reward the behavior you want and ignore the behavior you don't. This works surprisingly well with adults as well.
- RightMillennial 10y ago
  I know everyone hates anecdotal evidence on HN, but positive reinforcement doesn't work for every child. Negative reinforcement was a requirement for me when I was a kid. Ignoring my dickish behavior to my siblings would have been counter productive. A nice spank or belt to the backside was essential for compliance.

lsc 10y ago

My only point is that there shouldn't be an authority difference in a spousal relationship.

deleted 10y ago

[deleted]

sjg007 10y ago

How about, don't hit anyone, ever? The only reason corporal punishment was used is because it causes an immediate response but that is one driven by fear. It is control by violence which is by definition a form of domestic violence. As a society we only accept it now in situations by law enforcement. But even then that is limited acceptance (for example in the United airlines incident). As a simple example, you don't teach someone to not hit someone by hitting them. Maybe that model was effective as animals but as humans we have much more powerful behavior modification techniques. For example, the only thing that really works to modify behavior and generate long term compliance is positive reinforcement. The science is clear. Kids live in the moment. Reward the behavior you want and ignore the behavior you don't. This works surprisingly well with adults as well.

RightMillennial 10y ago
I know everyone hates anecdotal evidence on HN, but positive reinforcement doesn't work for every child. Negative reinforcement was a requirement for me when I was a kid. Ignoring my dickish behavior to my siblings would have been counter productive. A nice spank or belt to the backside was essential for compliance.