The Historic Origins of Corporal Punishment and Carcerality in the American South

• In Event: Researching Race and Ethnicity: Methods and Applications in the 20th Century

Abstract

Objectives or purposes
The purpose of this paper is to share the historical origins of corporal punishment and carcerality. Focusing on the experiences and histories of Black Americans predominantly in the South, this paper seeks to highlight the beginnings of both corporal punishment and carcerality.


Perspective(s) or theoretical framework
Critical Race Theory is the theoretical framework that guides the work done in this paper. CRT is known for many tenets and Derrick Bell’s Permanence of Racism and Cheryl Harris’ Whiteness as Property, guide the perspectives shared in relation to the intersections of corporal punishment and incarceration of Black Americans and communities.


Methods, techniques, or modes of inquiry
This work is categorized as critical historical, interpretive research. It employs critical analysis of Southern history, carcerality, and corporal punishment to connect with the contemporary. Considering existing literature on this topic in education, this paper puts authors in conversation while adding perspectives from other sources.

Data sources, evidence, objects, or materials
The primary sources, which include state legislatures, laws, amendments, acts, and newspapers from various states are used. Multiple secondary sources make up this paper as well. The use of primary and secondary sources demonstrate the ways and historical beginnings of corporal punishment and carcerality.


Results and/or substantiated conclusions or warrants for arguments/point of view
The results of this paper highlights multiple modes of punishment and discipline used toward Black Americans to articulate how this contributes to their treatment in society, today. Specifically tying in how the discipline method of corporal punishment being practiced in American public schools, contributes to the School-Prison Nexus. This study reveals that in order to understand the ways in which African Americans are massly incarcerated and discriminated against, the historical background of corporal punishment and carcerality must be acknowledged.


Scientific or scholarly significance of the study or work
This paper is connected to a larger project on understanding the use of corporal punishment in American public schools and corporal punishment's contribution to the School-Prison Nexus. The history of how Black communities and Black Americans were punished and disciplined is being continued and manifested in education systems. African Americans are massly incarcerated and this work contributes to research being done in relation to the School-Prison Nexus.

Author

• Gariel Pierce, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign