A Stroke of Respectability1

One aspect of parental discipline which is not often talked about is how some mothers and fathers deliberately tried to emulate at home the sort of punishments their offspring could expect (at least back in the day) during school hours. This is perhaps particularly true in the UK, where a surprising number of middle class parents would keep a cane to discipline their offspring. I have given a great deal of thought to the impulses behind such practices. Obviously, one factor is a desire to be firm, even strict, with your offspring as they learn and grow – and certainly, it was definitely felt amongst us youngsters that the parents of those who kept a cane for their bottoms were up there as the strictest – it was almost a badge of honour.