Spinning our wheels: reconceptualizing bullying beyond behaviour-focused approaches

Abstract

Bullying behaviours remain common in schools despite an abundance of policies and programs aimed at curbing them. In this paper, the author argues that such policies and programs are problematic not because they are flawed in themselves, but because they draw from the dominant and usual ideas about what bullying is taken to be. These ideas are presented as more fundamental problems that contribute to ‘wheel-spinning’ where efforts to reduce bullying are concerned. Key concepts that inform such ideas, specifically safety and diversity, are interrogated. The paper advocates for a new framework by which to think about and conceptualize bullying that moves away from those that highlight behavioural and developmental perspectives. Implications for education administration, especially with regard to supporting marginalized students, are explored.

Keywords:

• bullying
• difference
• diversity
• safety
• discourse
• policy

Notes

1. Unless otherwise specified, ‘we’ refers to the general collective of trustees, administrators, researchers, teachers, parents, and even students who are invested in anti-bullying efforts. I include myself in this group.

PrevNet is one of 21 Networks of Centers of Excellence funded by the Canadian government. See www.nce-rce.gc.ca/NetworksCentres-CentresReseaux/NCE-RCE/PREVNet_eng.asp and prevent.ca

3. These five districts are Greater Victoria, Vancouver, Southeast Kootenay, the Gulf Islands, and North Vancouver.

4. bindi is a forehead decoration traditionally worn by married Hindu women but some non-married girls wear them, as well.