Problems Related to Student Acceptance of Corporal Punishment during Extracurricular Sports Activities: With Reference to Erich Fromm's Authority Theory*

Abstract

This study examines why instructors use corporal punishment, and it focuses on an instructor’s desire to dominate. It references Erich Fromm’s Authority Theory and invokes Fromm’s opinion on sadism, in particular. As an example of sadistic tendency, Fromm mentions the idea of absolute control over another person to exploit them, create dependency, and use them as a tool. The results of the present study suggest that a harsh work environment involving the instructor of an extracurricular sports club promote the rationalization of sadistic tendencies by the instructor. Fromm points out that sadistic tendency arise from the incapacity to function as an isolated individual and the need to form a symbiotic relationship to overcome isolation. Instructors that exhibit sadistic tendencies inhibit the freedom and independence of their students and attempt to dominate them in order to feel strong. Corporal punishment is an effective means of dominating students. The sadistic tendencies of an instructor in an extracurricular sports club are suggested to arise from the need to form a symbiotic relationship with students in order to overcome 調査・実践報告 名桜大学総合研究,(28):127-132(2019) * 名桜大学人間健康学部スポーツ健康学科 〒905-8585 沖縄県名護市為又1220-1 Department of Sports and Health Sciences, Faculty of Human Health Sciences, Meio University, 1220-1, Biimata, Nago, Okinawa 905-8585, Japan