Disciplinary Methods and Means in the Family

Abstract

The paper in a specific manner deals with the issue of applying discipline in the family through an effort to contextualize the existing upbringing methods based on reflections of prominent European pedagogical scientists. The results of empirical research conducted on seventh and eighth grade elementary school pupils (N=277) indicate the upbringing practice, thereby, the practice of discipline, which ranges between tradition and modernity; although today the disciplining methods immanent to contemporary consumerist society are dominant (most often associated with depriving children of material goods, meaning lack of pleasure and entertainment), the traditional disciplining methods of assigning children more responsibilities (which we consider to be valuable), and, unfortunately, corporal punishment of children, still show their persistence, despite far lower frequencies. Finally, based on theoretical knowledge and research findings, instead of denying the existing traditional forms of upbringing, the necessity of their evolved understanding and reinterpretation is emphasized with the aim of fitting the positive and valuable elements of traditional upbringing into the contemporary context of living.