This book, by one of the leading researchers on family violence, explores the question of whether corporal punishment is an effective method of discipline for children. The author hypothesizes that corporal punishment is a minor form of physical violence that leads to more violence. The author's previous research has found that children who are spanked are two to six times more likely to be physically aggressive, to become juvenile delinquents, and as adults, to use physical violence against their spouses and suffer from depression. The book is divided into three sections that examine the use of corporal punishment by American parents. Part 1: Spanking - The Virtuous Violence has four chapters that discuss corporal punishment, attitudes towards corporal punishment, hitting adolescents, and cultural norms and attitudes towards corporal punishment. Part 2: The Price of Virtue has five chapters that discuss depression and suicide, physical abuse, violence and crime, the fusion of sex and violence, and alienation and reduced income. Part 3: The Future has 2 chapters that discuss 10 myths that perpetuate corporal punishment and social evolution and corporal punishment. Appendixes, notes, references, and index