Parental Violence in the Czech Republic: Trends and Context

• In Event: ISRD Panel 3: Family Dynamics and Social Identity in Youth Delinquency

Abstract

This paper investigates the use of corporal punishment among Czech parents in 2013 and 2023, utilizing data from the third and fourth sweeps of the International Self-Report Delinquency Study (ISRD3 and ISRD4). Additionally, data from other local surveys are used to capture attitudes towards parental violence among children, parents, and the general public. The Czech Republic presents an interesting case for analysis, having recorded the highest levels of parental violence—both minor and severe—among European countries participating in ISRD3, and in the case of minor violence, in ISRD4 as well. This paper examines changes in the prevalence and incidence of parental violence over the past decade, situating these trends within broader social, cultural, and political contexts. Furthermore, it explores the relationship between corporal punishment and family-related strain, such as physical and verbal abuse between parents and economic deprivation. The findings contribute to understanding the dynamics of parental violence in evolving societal contexts and offer insights into the intersection of family stressors and disciplinary practices.

Authors

• Eva Krulichová, Institute of Sociology of the Czech Academy of Sciences

• Zuzana Podaná, Katedra sociologie, Charles University Prague