Gender Differences on the Perceived Effectiveness of Physical Punishment among Selected Secondary Schools Students in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined gender differences on the perceived effectiveness of physical punishment among selected secondary school students in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. This was with the view of investigating and evaluating gender differences on the effects of physical punishment in encouraging or discouraging effective and conducive learning environment hence, fostering generally accepted behaviours vital for the nationfs growth and development among secondary school students. The  quantitative data for the study was collected from 230 teachers in 12 purposively selected secondary schools through simple random sampling technique. The  quantitative data collected were analysed using descriptive and  inferential statistics. The Qualitative data collected through In-depth Interviews and Focus Group  Discussions (FGD) were analysed using the TextBase Beta. The study revealed that there was no  significant relationship (F-Val =.515, P . 0.05; F-Val = .743P . 0.05; F-Val = 2.584, P . 0.05; F-Val = 1.26, P . 0.05; F-Val = .952, P . 0.05; F-Val = 2.06, P . 0.05; F-Val =1.190, P . 0.05 and a T-test analysis on gender yielded a tval=. 135, P. 0.05 respectively) between teachersf demographic  attributes such as (gender, age, marital status, religion, level of education, rank of teachers, length of service) and their perception. This shows that there are other variables other than gender that   influences their adoption. However, the Qualitative analysis showed the influence of religion on teachersf perception, (King Solomon, in the Book of Proverbs [13:24]), (Proverbs 22:15, KJV) and (Proverbs 23:13, 15, KJV). In conclusion, there was no gender difference on the adoption and  perception of physical punishment among both the teachers and students. Both sex  perceived physical punishment as an effective disciplinary measure for effective and conducive learning and for correcting and maintaining discipline among  secondary school studentsf as well as, in molding and shaping their cognitive and psychosocial characters for national growth and developmental.

Key Words: Physical Punishment, Growth and Development Gender Differences, Cognitive, Discipline