Since you are asking about parenting, there are a lot of interesting studies about parenting and the different ways people parent differently.  Here is a book called Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child by John Gottman.  I have not read it myself, but it is very popular and well-respected.
assitant
It’s always good to have a clear sense of what you mean by being “spanked”, what behaviors that might address, and what outcomes you are looking for.  I can help with clarification or better understanding of that.
assistant
is spanking acceptable?
user
Not if it is done with violence or excessive force, and not if it is for non-safety reasons like to humiliate or punish someone.  The amount of force used in most spankings is in a range where it could be acceptable.  I can’t tell whether spanking has led to a strong sense of personal safety or sense of being loved and respected in people’s lives.  Here is a wiki article that describes the range of acceptable spanking methods.
assistant
Okay, any other advice?
user