What is petticoat discipline?

Petticoat discipline is a form of psychological punishment or humiliation, primarily used in the past as a way to control or modify the behavior of young boys. It involves dressing the boy in traditionally feminine clothing, such as a dress or a petticoat, to shame and embarrass him for misbehaving or displaying stereotypically feminine traits.

The idea behind petticoat discipline is to associate traditionally feminine traits or clothing with negative connotations, thereby discouraging the behavior in question. It is often used as a form of gender policing and can have long-lasting psychological effects on the individual being subjected to it.

Petticoat discipline has been largely discredited and is not considered a valid or ethical form of discipline. It is important to treat children with respect and understanding, rather than resorting to shaming or humiliation tactics.