Despite being commonplace in households a generation ago, corporal punishment of children has been subjected to criticism and shifting attitudes in recent years. Many American school districts have banned it, and many child advocates recommend that parents no longer smack or strike their children. In this book, social theorist Michael Donnelly and family violence expert Murray Straus tap the expertise of social science scholars and researchers who address issues of corporal punishment, a subject that is now characterised as a key issue in child welfare. The contributors discuss corporal punishment, its use, causes and consequences, drawing on a wide array of comparative, psychological and sociological theories. Together, they clarify the analytical issues and lay a strong foundation for future research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Michael Donnelly is professor and chair of the Sociology Department, Bard College. Murray A. Straus is professor of sociology and codirector of the Family Research Laboratory, University of New Hampshire. He is coauthor of Four Theories of Rape, published by Yale University Press.

"There is no shortage of theories to explain the nature, causes, and consequences of corporal punishment. This volume does an excellent job in bringing often diverse perspectives together so that they can be considered side by side. All students of child development, parenting, and related topics will find this book eminently informative."---Professor Jay Belsky, Director of the Institute for the Study of Children, Families and Social Issues, Birkbeck University of London--Jay Belsky