My sister in law and brother in law are not good parents at all. It’s a common knowledge in our family.

Your Brighton friend is correct however it was across all classes. But yes lower class similar to your “projects” was probably a lot worse. But that’s because it fuelled with drugs, alcoholics etc etc. so there is more abuse going on than just a beating. It would be starvation, not being kept clean, spending social money on drugs, cigarettes or alcohol instead of clothes and food for the baby (this happens sadly an awful lot and I’ve seen it with my own eyes it’s very painful that you’re not allowed to intervene). Middle class was definitely still physical abuse. The problem is a lot happens behind closed doors. I know from friends that the majority of us went through something as children. I am in my 30s for reference btw.

My partners go to was because that’s how he was raised. He even said it himself “I got hit who cares, it’s no big deal” but once I said we don’t have to raise her being scared but understand consequences we now have effective methods in place when the time calls for it.

10-20% not being smacked on the 90s? Interesting research, I wonder if the location is a factor ??

Oh and to note how I know kids do get smacked these days. My sister in law is a social worker. She deals with actual abuse on the regular.