Ireland, like most western nations, is rapidly changing the way it views children and spanking. In 1979 the state department of education developed and implemented a child centered educational system. All corporal punishment of children was outlawed in schools. Regrettably, however, in more conservative, Catholic-church dominated rural areas, the parents are intimidated and do not always challenge teachers who continue to hit children.
Ireland, as a member of the European Economic Community, has had to give up some of its sovereignty and gradually accept the higher standards of some of the other European countries in matters of health. It is now illegal to smoke in stores, for example. Birth control pills and condoms are available, and literature is no longer censored. It will take time, but the social standards of the northern European countries like Sweden will become more prevalent in all of Europe.
During the witch burnings, Catholic priests urged men to beat their wives to keep them under control. If there is an Irish relationship to beating children, I believe it comes originally from the church. There are references in the Bible, as you know, to hitting children. Additionally, in the last thousand years of domination of Ireland by the English, etc. the Irish lost their lands and for the most part struggled just to feed their families. This makes people feel very powerless and stressed out, which also makes parents more likely to hit their children. The addition of alcohol to the mix makes it even more lethal.
Exactly what protections DO you believe endangered children deserve, Michael? |
