The question under discussion is whether coercion is an effective and a desirable basis for bringing about behavior change.
Coercive control is, and has always been, characteristic of society in general.
Behavior analysts and others who use or recommend coercive techniques of therapy, behavior modification, teaching, patenting, etc., are simply conforming to standard societal practice. In law enforcement, government, the military, business, religion, the halls of Academe, the family, and many other areas, the practice of coercion has been refined and perfected to an extent that applied behavior analysis has never approached. Applied behavioral research therefore contributes nothing new when it applies coercive methodology. One need only be a casual student of history. What basic and applied behavior analysts have to offer that is new is the application of positive reinforcement techniques for teaching new behavior, and stimulus control techniques for establishing cognitive repertoires.