Some stories might use it to show a character's growth. Maybe the young boy learns from the spanking and becomes a better person. But this is a rather controversial way of showing character development. It's not as acceptable in modern literature as it used to be.
In some fictional stories, it might be used to create conflict or character development. The act of spanking by a woman could be a turning point for a boy character. It could make him resentful at first, but then lead to his growth and understanding of right and wrong. It can also show the complex relationship between the characters, like a strict aunt spanking her nephew, which can later lead to a more nuanced relationship as the boy matures.
Well, in the stories, it could be that the neighbor women thought they were helping the parents. Maybe the parents were too lenient or not around to discipline the boys immediately. Also, sometimes in a small - town or village setting, there were traditional values about maintaining order. If a boy was causing trouble, like bullying other kids, the neighbor woman might have resorted to spanking to stop the bad behavior right away. But again, this is not acceptable behavior in today's world where we advocate for non - violent and more educational forms of discipline.
Cultural norms regarding propriety and modesty also played a role. If an adult woman violated these norms, spanking might have been considered a form of correction. It was a way to keep women in line with the community's expectations. However, it's important to note that these are historical and cultural aspects that are not acceptable in modern, egalitarian societies.
Often, in traditional tales, women punished boys with spanking to maintain order. In a large family or a school setting, if a boy was being disobedient or causing chaos, spanking by a female figure was thought to be a deterrent. Also, it was sometimes used to uphold the reputation of the family or the institution. For example, if a boy misbehaved in a way that could bring shame, a strict mother or governess might spank him to set an example for others. However, these views are now considered archaic in modern society.
One possible reason could be to reflect historical parenting methods. In the past, spanking was more commonly used as a form of discipline, and stories might include it to show how things were. For example, in some period novels, such a scene might be included to give an accurate portrayal of the era's family dynamics.
One possible reason could be a lack of understanding of appropriate social behavior. Some boys may not be fully aware of the boundaries in interactions with women. Another reason might be a misguided attempt at humor, but it's a very inappropriate form of humor.
Another reason is disrespect. For example, if a boy talks back rudely to his elders in a story. This is seen as a lack of respect for the family or community values. A spanking can be a traditional form of discipline to correct this behavior and teach the boy to be more polite and respectful. It's like a shock to his system that makes him realize he can't act that way. And often, it's accompanied by a talk about why respect is important so he understands the underlying values.
One reason could be for comical effect. It makes for a funny and unexpected moment in a story. For example, if a man is being overly pompous and a woman gives him a spank to deflate his ego.
One possible consequence is that the boy may develop a fear or resentment towards women. If he is constantly spanked by a woman to the point of tears, he will associate women with pain and punishment. Another consequence could be low self - esteem. Being physically punished in such a harsh way can make the boy feel unworthy or bad about himself.
It could potentially be seen as a way to break taboos in fiction. Some writers might think that by delving into such extreme and somewhat inappropriate topics, they can make a statement about the boundaries of human relationships or the limits of acceptable behavior. But really, it's a very controversial area, and most of the time, we should be more focused on positive, healthy relationship portrayals in literature.