Domestic Violence - Book Report/Review Example

The research explains the reason for researchers avoiding or ignoring the effects of corporal punishment. It states that in American families, corporal punishment is embedded within the culture and is viewed by most researchers as harmless. Thus researchers and other American citizens do not pay attention to it.The research tries to explain the link between corporal punishment and the culture or norms of a person. In the cultural norms of the Americans, corporal punishment is seen as a necessary form of discipline.

A majority of the sample agreed that "a good hard spanking is sometimes necessary" (Straus & Marthur, 1994). Corporal punishment teaches children that hitting is a morally correct way of dealing with misbehavior. Two hidden lessons learned by the children from their parents; violence can be and should be used to secure good ends and the moral rightness of violence-violence is permissible when other things don't work (Straus et al., 1980, 103-104). This gives reasons for the acceptance by society of the slapping of spouses when one does something wrong.

There is clear evidence that children, subjected to corporal punishment, have less engagement in observing, participating in and learning nonviolent modes of influencing others and or modifying their own behaviors. Moreover, people who were subjected to corporal punishment will normally have poor ways of conflict resolutions. Such individuals pile up unresolved conflicts with their spouses. This increases the risk of spousal violent attacks because sooner or later the individual will relive him or herself through hitting and other forms of attacks.

There is a clear study of depression and corporal punishment. The study shows that corporal punishment leads to depressive symptoms and suicidal ideas among adult men and women. Depression is also linked with hostile and aggressive behavior towards others. It leads to uncontrolled violent outbursts towards others.In conclusion, Straus' work has helped individuals to notice or see that there own culture and belief is leading them to a violent society. He has supported his work with facts that can not be disputed.

This encourages many to engage in the study and come up with other ways of instilling discipline in children to ensure a reduction in spousal assaults and depression.