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In its most general sense, discipline refers to systematic instruction given to a disciple. To discipline thus means to instruct a person to follow a particular code of conduct "order." Usually, the phrase 'to discipline' carries a negative connotation. This is because enforcement of order - that is, ensuring instructions are carried out - is often regulated through punishment.

Usage

In its most general sense, discipline refers to systematic instruction given to a disciple.

To discipline thus means to instruct a person to follow a particular code of conduct "order." Consequently, "in the field of child development, discipline refers to methods of modeling character and of teaching self-control and acceptable behavior."^[1] So for example, to discipline a child to wash her/his hands before meals. Here, 'washing hands before meals' is a particular pattern of behaviour, and the child is being disciplined to adopt that pattern. 'To disciple' also gives rise to the word disciplinarian, which denotes a person who enforces order.

However usually, the phrase 'to discipline' carries a negative connotation. This is because enforcement of order - that is, ensuring instructions are carried out - is often regulated through punishment.^{cf. [2]}

To be disciplined is then, subject to context, either a virtue (the ability to follow instructions well) or a euphemism for punishment (which may also be referred to as disciplinary procedure). As a concrete noun, the discipline refers to an instrument of punishment, for example in mortification of the flesh (see also: flagellation). Such an instrument may also be applied to oneself, for example in penitence for not being sufficiently self-disciplined.

Self discipline

Self-discipline refers to the training that one gives one's self to accomplish a certain task or to adopt a particular pattern of behaviour, even though one would really rather be doing something else. For example, denying oneself of an extravagant pleasure in order to accomplish a more demanding charitable deed. Thus, self-discipline is the assertion of willpower over more base desires, and is usually understood to be a synonym of 'self control'. Self-discipline is to some extent a substitute for motivation, when one uses reason to determine a best course of action that opposes one's desires. Virtuous behaviour is when one's motivations are aligned with one's reasoned aims: to do what you know is best and to do it genuinely gladly. Continent behaviour, on the other hand, is when one does what one knows is best, but must do it by opposing one's motivations.^[3] Moving from continent to virtuous behaviour requires training and some self discipline.

Self discipline can also be linked to 'school discipline', 'church discipline' and even 'academic discipline'.

School discipline refers to regulation of children and the maintenance of order ("rules") in schools. These rules may, for example, define the expected standards of clothing, timekeeping, social behaviour and work ethic. The term may also be applied to the punishment that is the consequence of transgression of the code of behavior. For this reason the usage of school discipline sometimes means the administration of punishment, rather than behaving within the school rules.

Church discipline is a response of an ecclesiastical body to some perceived wrong, whether in action or in doctrine. Its most extreme form in modern churches is excommunication. Church discipline can also refer to the rules governing some ecclesiastical order, such as priests or monks, such as clerical celibacy.

An academic discipline refers to a body of knowledge that is being given to - or has been received by - a disciple. The term may then denotes a 'sphere of knowledge' that an individual has chosen to specialise in. In an institute of higher learning, the term 'discipline' is often a synonym of 'faculty'.

Work life

In unionised companies, discipline may be a regulated part of a collective bargaining agreement and subject to grievance procedures.

In UK employment matters, a discipline hearing [otherwise known as a disciplinary hearing] is conducted by an employer when it is alleged that an employee has fallen below the required standard in an aspect relating to their employment. A discipline hearing can be instigated regarding an issue of misconduct or poor performance. The employee should be allowed to respond to the allegations during the discipline hearing.

Methods of Discipline

Methods of discipline are social standards on who, when, why, and how people are disciplined. Typically, it is not socially acceptable for anyone other than the parents to spank a child. Depending on state law, it may or may not be acceptable to execute a prisoner guilty of murder. Standards change depending on the environment.

Home: Common practices are time-out, grounding, restricting, and spanking. School: Common practices are detention, in school suspension, and out of school suspension. Society: Common practices are citations, jail time, and execution.

These practices resemble the punishments that are used to correct a person's behavior however, positive reinforcement is just as effective.

Positive reinforcement is about preventing misbehavior by praising the desirable behavior. People tend to function better under these circumstances. Humans, in general, want to know that they are doing a good job. People work diligently to gain bonuses, promotions, good grades, and scholarships. It is important to praise children when they do the right thing because they will be more likely to repeat it again in the future.

References

Arnall, Judy. Discipline Without Distress: 135 tools for raising caring, responsible children without time-out, spanking, punishment or bribery, 2007, Professional Parenting Canada, p.14. ISBN 978-0978050900

Footnotes

External links

• Healthy *TWIST* on Discipline (Fun Video)