THE INTERSECTION OF RELIGION AND CHILD DISCIPLINE IN SOKOTO STATE

THE INTERSECTION OF RELIGION AND CHILD DISCIPLINE IN SOKOTO STATE

1.1 Background of the Study

In Sokoto State, religious doctrine—primarily drawn from Islamic and traditional belief systems—deeply informs child-rearing practices. Discipline is often framed as a spiritual obligation, with physical punishment sanctioned by select interpretations of Quranic injunctions and local customs (Christian & Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect, 2015). Within many Hausa–Fulani households and madrasa settings, corrective measures range from mild spanking to more severe forms of corporal punishment, justified as necessary for instilling piety, respect, and moral rectitude (Glick, Lorand, & Bilka, 2016).

Scholarly evidence underscores that when religious sanction underpins physical discipline, parents and educators may perceive abusive behaviors as both legitimate and beneficial, complicating efforts to distinguish between accepted religious practice and harmful maltreatment (Berkowitz, 2017). In contexts lacking robust child-protection frameworks, children’s complaints are often silenced by appeals to divine will or parental authority, heightening their vulnerability to repeated abuse (Lansford et al., 2021).

Understanding the interplay between religious beliefs and disciplinary norms is critical for developing culturally sensitive interventions. While faith-based approaches can mobilize community support for non-violent child-rearing, they may also perpetuate tolerance for practices that violate international child-rights standards. This study therefore explores how religious teachings and institutional structures in Sokoto State shape attitudes toward—and implementation of—child discipline.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite indications that religious legitimation sustains high rates of corporal punishment in Sokoto State, there is scant empirical research on how faith-based authorities and beliefs interact to influence disciplinary behaviors. Without this insight, child-welfare advocates and policymakers cannot engage religious stakeholders effectively to promote positive, rights-based discipline.

 

1.3 Objectives of the Study

To document the religious doctrines and cultural norms that inform child-discipline practices in Sokoto State.

To assess how these beliefs correlate with the prevalence and severity of physical punishment among children.

To recommend faith-informed strategies that align religious teachings with non-violent, child-rights approaches.

 

1.4 Research Questions

Which religious texts, interpretations, or traditional beliefs are cited to justify physical discipline in Sokoto State?

How do parents and religious educators perceive the relationship between spiritual development and physical punishment?

What collaborative frameworks can engage religious leaders in advocating for positive, non-harmful child-discipline methods?

 

1.5 Significance of the Study

Religious Leaders & Scholars: Will gain understanding of how doctrine influences discipline, supporting reformative dialogue within faith communities.

Child-Protection Agencies & NGOs: Insights will inform the design of interventions that respect religious values while safeguarding children.

Policy Makers & Educators: Evidence to craft guidelines integrating religious endorsement of kindness with child-rights principles.

 

1.6 Scope and Limitation of the Study

Scope: Focuses on Muslim and traditional faith households and madrasa instructors in urban and rural LGAs of Sokoto State, surveying parents, teachers, and religious leaders.

Limitations:

Reluctance to Critique Faith: Participants may understate disciplinary severity to avoid appearing irreligious.

Interpretive Diversity: Varied religious interpretations may complicate generalizations across communities.

1.7 Definition of Terms

Corporal Punishment: Intentional physical force against a child for disciplinary purposes (Christian & Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect, 2015).

Religious Legitimation: The use of faith doctrines to justify behaviors and social norms.

Positive Discipline: Non-violent strategies for guiding children’s behavior, emphasizing respect and dialogue.

Child-Protection Frameworks: Legal and institutional measures to prevent and respond to abuse.

Spiritual Development: The process of nurturing moral and religious values in children.

 

List of References

Berkowitz, C. D. (2017). Physical abuse of children. New England Journal of Medicine, 376(17), 1659–1666.

Christian, C. W., & Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect. (2015). The evaluation of suspected child physical abuse. Pediatrics, 135(5), e20150356.

Glick, J. C., Lorand, M. A., & Bilka, K. R. (2016). Physical abuse of children. Pediatrics in Review, 37(4), 146–158.

Lansford, J. E., Godwin, J., McMahon, R. J., Crowley, M., Pettit, G. S., Bates, J. E., … Dodge, K. A. (2021). Early physical abuse and adult outcomes. Pediatrics, 147(1).