CathInfo.com

I am not suggesting that, here or there, a misbehaving wife does not deserve to be disciplined by her husband.  I can think of examples.  There are some pretty impertinent, peppery little wives in this world.

However, the way this would be received by friends, neighbors, relatives, and the larger society... well, nobody would view it with favor, I can tell you that much.

Our entire culture militates against such things.  It would take a massive paradigm shift throughout all of society, to the effect of the relationship between husband and wife being changed to one where the husband has such rights, and both law and society recognize this.  The Handmaid's Tale comes immediately to mind.

"Oh, Sally, why are you walking so funny?  Did you have an accident or something?"

"No, Maggie, I misbehaved and failed to act as a wife should, so my husband spanked me."

"Well, you know, Sally, that's a husband's duty, as well as his prerogative.  Next time you'll know better than to misbehave.  Obviously you gave him a very good reason to spank you.  Consider yourself chastened."

"Yes, Maggie, you are quite right.  I think I've learned my lesson, and I am thankful that my husband set me straight.  I'll be a better, more obedient wife from now on."

Just for the heck of it, I wonder what Pope Pius XII would have had to say about this.