Physical punishment in childhood : the rights of the child / by Bernadette J. Saunders, Chris Goddard.

Introduction -- Childhood and physical punishment in historical perspective -- Legal responses to physical punishment -- Conducting sensitive and ethical research with children and adults -- Experiences of physical punishment at home, at school and in public places -- Public and professional perceptions of the effectiveness of physical punishment -- The subjugation of children through language and physical punishment -- The effects of physical punishment -- The persistence of physical punishment -- The morality of physical punishment -- An idea childhood.

Providing a wide spectrum of views, the authors explore the fine line between normalized physical punishment and illegal or unacceptable physical and emotional abuse of children. It builds on the emerging field of research that provides opportunities for children to speak for themselves about their views and experiences.