It is obviously an old-school practice. It was done to us by our parents, and it was done to them by their parents. It was* regarded as one of the "best" parenting styles for raising disciplined and respectful children.
Nothing could have prepared us for the huge impact we now witness on adults who were spanked as children. No one could have predicted the anguish it would inflict, as well as the embarrassment, misery, and dishonor it would bring.