Running head: Advantages and Disadvantages of Punishment 1

Advantages and Disadvantages of Punishment

Victor M. Mbokola

Kenyatta University

EPS700 Introduction to Psychology

Dr. Mwaniki
Advantages and Disadvantages of Punishment 2

Punishment is defined as the act of inflicting a consequence or penalty on someone as a

result of their wrongdoing, or the consequence or the penalty itself (Your Dictionary).

Punishments are common in school and the word is almost synonymous with the school

environment. This paper will look briefly at the advantages and disadvantages of punishment to a

student or an errant learner.

As a student, one should at least face some form of punishment. A personal case that has

remained memorable for me was in the form of corporal punishment. I was caned for every

wrong answer I had given in a Mathematics assignment. I believe this may have contributed

positively to my performance in mathematics but on the flip side I think it instilled fear in me. I

worked hard not for my own good but instead not evade the possibility of being caned. This is

not the best way to pass knowledge to a learner. Fear is by extension one of the disadvantages of

punishment and specifically corporal punishment.

Other disadvantages of punishment include the punishments becoming counterproductive

in that the students stop being afraid of the punishment being meted (Frankie, n.d.). In this case

punishment becomes ineffective and alternative measures besides punishment may have to be

employed. Another disadvantage especially in the case of corporal punishment is the possibility

of physically harming the learner. In some cases, such punishment has even resulted in death.

Some people actually consider corporal punishment as child abuse and it is disallowed in many

countries Kenya included.

Punishment also has its positives. Firstly it fosters a good learning environment for

learners by bringing a sense of control for learners. Students who act out in class can become a

disruption to the learning experience (Sheahan, 2018). Another advantage is instill respect for

authority among students (Sheahan, 2018). By recognizing punishment can be a consequence of

Advantages and Disadvantages of Punishment 3

bad behavior there is a sense of authority that is learnt. This however when stretched could result

in fear which can easily be confused with respect for authority. These are just some of the

advantages of punishment and not the only ones.

Punishment has both positives and negatives. Punishment is something that should be

done in moderation and with care just like the way prescriptions are given to patients. However,

punishment sometimes has to be a bit sever. For instance, some of the students that have burnt

schools in Kenya have ended up being subjected to court proceedings with a criminal

perspective. In relation to punishment therefore, the severity of punishment should be

proportional to the nature of offense. With this in mind, we can expect to get positive results

from punishment.

In conclusion, punishment is a good part of the learning process that can be of help to the

learners but an areas that needs to be treaded with a lot of caution and care.
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References

Frankie. (n.d.). Advantages and Disadvantages of Corporal Punishment. Retrieved from Hosbeg:
https://hosbeg.com/advantages-disadvantages-corporal-punishment/
Sheahan, K. (2018, July 23). The Advantages of Punishment in the Classroom. Retrieved from
Classroom: https://classroom.synonym.com/advantages-punishment-classroom-
8570426.html
Your Dictionary. (n.d.). Punishment. Retrieved from Your Dictionary:
http://www.yourdictionary.com/punishment