The Levels of Discipline
You would never think of setting up an educational program that treated every student exactly the same. You would not expect everyone to use the same reader. You would not place an entire school in the same math book. Yet, we set up discipline systems that treat everyone exactly the same. In fact, everyone expects us to do just that!
slaves function at different levels of discipline. Nevertheless, it is possible to set up a consistent system for discipline that will be appropriate for slaves functioning at all stages and at the same time encourage them to work their way up to higher stages.
There are many experts telling us how to handle discipline. These experts range from acknowledged authorities in the fields of education and management, to self-appointed experts in the leather community. All may have valuable insight into the problem of appropriate discipline, yet they do not always agree. Trying to decide who is right and who is wrong seems quite difficult. Instead, let us assume that all of them may be right, that they just are not talking about the same people at the same time!
If we look at the work of Lawrence Kohlberg, we find the piece that will put this puzzle together. For many years Kohlberg studied stages of moral and ethical reasoning in youngsters from the United States, Taiwan, Mexico, Turkey, and Yucatan. One important fact that surfaced in his research is that everyone, regardless of culture, race, or sex, goes through four basic stages of disciplinary behavior. Although the progression from stage to stage is the same, the rate varies from person to person. It is for this reason that we need to be prepared to address discipline at different levels. It is also very useful to recognize that, while Kohlberg was studying children, the same disciplinary stages apply to adults exploring slavery.
Stage 1: Recalcitrant Behavior
The Power Stage: Might makes right!
slaves functioning at Stage 1, the lowest stage, are typically recalcitrant in their behavior. That is, they often refuse to follow directions. They are defiant and require a tremendous amount of attention. They have few rules of their own but out of fear of reprisal, may follow the rules of others. In most cases they actually seek Masters who will use brute force to discipline them.
This is the power stage. What makes it work is the imbalance of power between the slave and the Master. This type of slave challenges authority constantly.
Fortunately, very few slaves function at this stage for any length of time. Those who do, follow rules as long as the imbalance of power tilts against them. Very assertive Masters with a constant eye on these slaves can keep them in line. Turn your back on them, and they are out of control.
If these slaves want something, they usually just take it. They show very little concern for the feelings of others. They seek out extensions of power. Information becomes a weapon in their hands, and they are not usually afraid to use it against anyone.
Interestingly many novice slaves seek this type of relationship because it seems exciting.
Stage 2: Self-Serving Behavior
The Reward/Punishment Stage: "What's in it for me?"
slaves functioning at Stage 2 are a little easier to handle. Kohlberg would classify them as having an individualistic morality. They can be very self-centered. This is the reward and punishment stage. They behave either because they will receive some sort of reward such as time with their Master, or because they do not like what happens to them when they do not behave. slaves who function at this stage do best with very assertive Masters.
There is very little sense of self-discipline at this stage. Like the power stage slaves, these slaves need constant supervision. They may behave quite well in your presence and then be out of control when You are not there to watch them.
Stage 3: Interpersonal Discipline
The Mutual Interpersonal Stage: "How can I please you?"
slaves functioning at Stage 3 have started to develop a sense of discipline. They behave because you ask them. This is the mutual interpersonal stage. They care what others think about them, and they want you to like them.
These slaves need gentle reminders. Assertive discipline works with these slaves because they understand it, but they rarely need such a heavy handed approach to discipline.
Quite often you find slaves that are in transition from Stage 2 to Stage 3. Perhaps you will know of a slave that gets into lots of trouble with other Masters but not with you. This slave is just learning to trust others and build interpersonal relationships. You need to let him know that his good behavior is important to you not only in your control, but all the time. Nurture this slave and you will see quick progress. Be unnecessarily assertive and he will slip back to Stage 2.
Stage 4: Self-Discipline
The Social Order Stage: "I behave because it is the right thing to do."
slaves functioning at Stage 4 rarely get into any trouble at all. They have a sense of right and wrong. Although many slaves will occasionally function at this level, only a few consistently do. These are the ones we enjoy working with so much. You can leave these slaves alone with a project and come back later and find it completed or them still working on it. They behave because, in their minds, it is the right thing to do. This is the social order stage.
Even though they may never tell you, slaves who function at this level do not appreciate assertive discipline. They may even be bothered by the fact that other slaves force Masters to use so much time dealing with discipline problems.
Working Through the Stages
Keep in mind that all of us work our way through these stages in this order as we grow up. When you identify the stage at which a slave is functioning, you can then help that slave work to the next stage. It is a mistake to try and skip stages. Insisting that a Stage 1 slave "straighten up and start acting right" (like a Stage 4 slave) is not a reasonable expectation. It simply isn't going to happen! Instead, set your goal on Stage 2 and you will be less frustrated. You may be pleasantly surprised when you start to notice improvement.
It is important to remember that for many reasons, any slave is fully capable of regressing every now and then. When you really get to know your slaves and are use to them functioning at a stage, it is important to look for a reason when one of them regresses. Problems with family members, friends, alcohol, or drugs may be behind a shift in behavior. It simply might be tiredness or the onset of illness. Whatever the cause, it is worth taking the time to talk with the slave and see what's going on.
You may feel that you do not have the time to walk slaves from stage to stage. Learning self-discipline is just like learning anything else. Your slaves aren't always going to get it right the first time. So, you find yourself "picking up the pieces." You help them some more, and when you think they are ready you give it another try.
Seeing progress, as slow as it might be, makes having a slave a pleasure that others may never enjoy. Soon you will be opening the doors to the mutual inter-personal stage and really make a difference in his life.
based on an article by Budd Churchward creator of:
The Honor Level System: Discipline by Design
