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How Mothers in Poverty Explain Their Use of Corporal Punishment: A Qualitative Study in Kampala, Uganda

Author

Listed:
  • Nicola Boydell

    (University of Edinburgh)

  • Winifred Nalukenge

    (MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit On AIDS)

  • Godfrey Siu

    (MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit On AIDS
    Makerere University College of Health Sciences)

  • Janet Seeley

    (MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit On AIDS
    London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine)

  • Daniel Wight

    (MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow)

Abstract

Corporal punishment in the early years is associated with antisocial behaviour and violence, but little is known about its social and cultural context in low-income countries. This paper analyses how 12 deprived women in Kampala, Uganda, perceived corporal punishment, drawing on repeated semi-structured interviews. All thought it was sometimes necessary, for three main reasons. First, it was an important strategy to ensure good behaviour and maintain their and their child’s, respectability, crucial to self-respect given severe poverty. Second, it was a means of establishing household routines and managing scarce resources. Third, it was a way to protect children from health risks. However, all mothers thought corporal punishment could be excessive, and most said it can be counter-productive, making children ‘stubborn’. There appeared to be considerable variation in their degree of harsh parenting and emotional support. These findings could inform culturally appropriate interventions to reduce violence against children.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicola Boydell & Winifred Nalukenge & Godfrey Siu & Janet Seeley & Daniel Wight, 2017. "How Mothers in Poverty Explain Their Use of Corporal Punishment: A Qualitative Study in Kampala, Uganda," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 29(5), pages 999-1016, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:eurjdr:v:29:y:2017:i:5:d:10.1057_s41287-017-0104-5
    DOI: 10.1057/s41287-017-0104-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Panter-Brick, Catherine & Clarke, Sian E. & Lomas, Heather & Pinder, Margaret & Lindsay, Steve W., 2006. "Culturally compelling strategies for behaviour change: A social ecology model and case study in malaria prevention," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 62(11), pages 2810-2825, June.
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    3. Godfrey E. Siu & Daniel Wight & Janet Seeley & Carolyn Namutebi & Richard Sekiwunga & Flavia Zalwango & Sarah Kasule, 2017. "Men’s Involvement in a Parenting Programme to Reduce Child Maltreatment and Gender-Based Violence: Formative Evaluation in Uganda," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 29(5), pages 1017-1037, November.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Jane Ndungu & Rachel Jewkes & Magnolia Ngcobo-Sithole & Esnat Chirwa & Andrew Gibbs, 2021. "Afghan Women’s Use of Violence against Their Children and Associations with IPV, Adverse Childhood Experiences and Poverty: A Cross-Sectional and Structural Equation Modelling Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-14, July.
    3. Sadandaula Rose Muheriwa Matemba & Rosina Cianelli & Natalie M. Leblanc & Chen Zhang & Joseph De Santis & Natalia Villegas Rodriguez & James M. McMahon, 2022. "Associations between Home- and School-Based Violent Experiences and the Development of Sexual Behavior in Young Adolescent Girls in the Rural Southern Region of Malawi," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-13, May.
    4. Wolf, Sharon & Suntheimer, Noelle M., 2020. "Predictors of parental disciplinary practices and associations with child outcomes among Ghanaian preschoolers," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 112(C).

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