Abstract
This study examines public attitudes towards corporal punishment (CP) and child protection system (CPS) involvement in Denmark, England, and Norway. Using representative population samples (N = 3844) and logistic regression, we investigate the roles of rights orientation, country context, and confidence in the CPS. The findings reveal stark cross-national variation, with 40% of English respondents accepting CP, compared to 7%–8% in Norway and Denmark, reflecting differences in political, legal, cultural and social frameworks. Acceptance of CP is the strongest predictor of opposition to CPS involvement, showing the impact of normative values. In Denmark and Norway, both child rights-oriented child protection systems, there is lower acceptance of CP and higher support for CPS involvement, compared to England. Confidence in the CPS does not predict involvement of CPS. The findings suggest that child rights orientation and legal bans within child rights-protective institutions mutually reinforce societal norms in which violence against children is not accepted and public authorities are involved.