Sociology

Sociologists and professionals in other related disciplines including Pediatricians have differing opinions on corporal punishment and its relation to child physical abuse.  While some are pro and some are against corporal punishment of children, there is also "spanking" to be considered.  Again, while some are for and some are against "spanking" children and moreover some count it as a sub-category of corporal punishment and some don't.  Please share your opinions (always thinking about "child physical abuse" as a big picture).