Author: Mónica Translation: Agony & Ecstasy
Summary of the Spencer Plan
In the 30’s an American housewife called Dorothy Spencer developed a plan for solving small misunderstandings and resentments in the family with what she called the modern corporal punishment, used under carefully defined rules, that must be obeyed to the letter.
Her proposal was based in the implementation of a cooperative discipline system for solving the unavoidable arguments in the couple, using a system which was, in her own words, definite, fair and effective, which could avoid ruptures and divorces generated by ill feelings and resentment.
She tells us that, after discovering how beneficial and effective her plan was, commented about it with friends that adopted it with considerable success, and thought that it was the cause of their resultant happiness. The plan disseminated and reached popularity in those times.
The bases of the Spencer Spanking Plan, as she called it, are straightforward and consist in the development of a list of actions and behavior that would not be accepted, and which, in case of repetition, will make the culprit being punished by his/her spouse.
Typical examples of bad behavior could be, for the wife, overusing the credit card, neglecting the house chores, crashing the car, forgetting to pick up the children at school and so.
For the man, being late at night, smoking, driving too fast, drinking too much , etc.
Once the causes for punishment are agreed upon, the couple must sign an agreement in which they accept to follow the Plan, consenting to be punished, the husband by the wife, and she by him, for each and every fault.
It is clearly set that there will be no exception or forgiveness after the misbehavior, and that the punishment must be accepted without crying, arguments or struggle. Quite the opposite: the punishment must be accepted and even asked for by the culprit, in a gentle and submissive way.
On the practical side, the spanking should be given differently for the husband and the wife, but always on the buttocks, the only body part where punishment can be given.
The wife can be punished only with the palm of the hand, over her husband’s knees.
If the punished is the man, and because she has less strength, Dorothy allows using a paddle, a ruler or a small leather strap.
She also recommends a ritual before the punishment, which should be always the same, as sending the wife to the bedroom, waiting some minutes (the anticipation increases the psychological suffering), going there when he thinks is appropriate, sitting down always in the same chair, or at the edge of the bed, while she, without talking, bares her buttocks and lies down on her lap, ready to receive.
If the punished is the husband, the proceedings are almost the same, he is sent to the bedroom where he must wait laying on the bed with his buttocks bared. Then she comes with the punishment instrument in her hands, and begins the whipping.
There is no number of lashes recommended (Dorothy says she does not recommend a fixed number) but she makes clear that there should be as much as necessary for hurting enough for the punished being taught a lesson, without leaving marks or bruises.
The spankings will be given privately, and on the bare skin, for having the possibility of checking that the punishment is not excessive or wounds the skin.
The lashes should not be given in anger or fury, or looking for revenge. The couple has to wait until being calm and in complete control of the scene.
After the thrashing, there will be no ill feelings, the problem would be forgotten, the misbehavior forgiven and the peace reestablished.
This are the mechanics and characteristics of this true system for the resolution of the marriage’s quarrels, in a, in her author’s words, definite, fair and effective way.
Published: 08/04/03