PARENTS’ PERCEPTIONS ON CORPORAL PUNISHMENT AS A DISCIPLINARY TOOL IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN MBARE/HATFIELD DISTRICT, ZIMBABWE

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the study was to investigate the Zimbabwean parents’ perceptions on the use of corporal punishment (CP) as a disciplinary tool in primary schools. The research was carried out in Mbare/Hatfield district. The sample had twenty-five participants comprising of parents and guardians, males and females from the five purposively selected schools. Event sampling was also used to select the participants and the qualitative paradigm was used which led the researcher to use focus group discussions. Audio recordings were done although a note taker was taking notes during the discussions. The data collected was transcribed and grouped into themes, categories and sub-categories. The findings revealed that most parents supported the use of CP as a disciplinary tool in primary schools. The findings indicated that parents are against the section in the Government Gazette (2013) on CP in schools. Most parents suggested that CP should be mild just to discipline not to injure or kill and they also suggested that the tool used to administer CP should be very small. The research findings also brought in other options of disciplining children in primary schools other than using CP since most of the children in schools were born with health challenges that may not need pain on their body. Some of the suggested disciplinary measures were giving manual work, motivation, spiritual guidance, laying down clear rules for the children and linking the home and the school. Some of the participants brought the idea of investigating more on the behaviour of the children if there is no change after trying suggested methods because some of the children may be having mental challenges which may be forcing them to behave in such a way. Since parents supported the use of CP as a disciplinary tool in primary schools, they can encourage the teachers to use it in schools despite the laws against it. The policy makers were recommended to involve parents and explain what is meant by the policy being proposed before it is endorsed as a policy and to educate teachers and parents about the negative effects of using CP.