– In his new book “The Primordial Violence”, Murray Straus, founder and co-director of the Family Research Lab and professor emeritus of sociology at the University of New Hampshire, presents the results of his evaluation of decades of research about spanking in different cultures.

– Among more than 100 studies on this topic, 90% came to the conclusion that spanking is not a better way to discipline and educate children than softer ways like giving them explanations, restricting their privileges, or using time-outs.

– Spanking can even be profoundly detrimental for children in slowing their cognitive development, diminishing their chances of doing well in school, and increasing their antisocial and criminal behavior. For Professor Strauss, “the gains from spanking come at a big cost.”

Pr. Murray A. Straus

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