CORPORAL PUNISHMENT AS CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL PROCESS IN THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF

Corporal punishment of children and youth is a fundamental concern that continues to challenge the philosophical and educational practices of many nations worldwide. This study investigates the issue of corporal punishment in the Division of Peshawar, North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan, using quantitative and qualitative data obtained from the broad student and teacher sample (N = 473) 1. In this paper, the topic is evaluated from the point of view of the sample population that includes educational professionals who were both victims during their own childhood and offenders as adults. Data confirm a high-prevalence of corporal punishment of children and youths both at home and in school as well as a significant gender imbalance. These findings are discussed in the context of fundamental beliefs and attitudes concerning corporal punishment in education in Pakistan and in relation to the feelings of victims and punishers as outlined by interviewees. 1 The findings presented here are discussed in more detail in the following monograph: Profanter, A. (2007). ―Che charta dab dey, halta adab dey ‖ A Pushto saying meaning ―Where there is physical punishment, there is order and respect‖. Frankfurt am Main et. al.: Peter Lang.- 2