Non-physical bullying : exploring the perspectives of Grade 5 girls
Date
2009
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Education Association of South Africa
Abstract
Research into bullying has generated an awareness of many aspects of this
phenomenon: it has shown a distinction between various types of bullying and
how these are delineated by gender. It has also shown a scarcity of research
on bullying amongst girls, a phenomenon which is rife. We report on a qualitative
study, which explored and described the nature of bullying amongst girls,
in order to make the invisible problem more visible and to make recommendations
for intervention and prevention. In this interpretive study we explored
bullying amongst girls by using the perspectives of Grade 5 girls in a parochial
school in the Western Cape. Data were generated through the use of semistructured
group interviews. We argue that there is no single solution to the
problem. Each situation seems to require a unique set of rules, a unique understanding.
This is supported by the main finding, namely, some girls have
innate characteristics that help maintain bullying while others have characteristics
that protect them from bullying. The environment also plays a large part in
either maintaining bullying or protecting girls from bullying. The implication is
that intervention and preventative strategies need to be based on these personal
and contextual factors in order to effect change.
Description
CITATION: Swart, E. & Bredekamp, J. 2009. Non-physical bullying : exploring the perspectives of Grade 5 girls. South African Journal of Education, 29(3):405-425.
The original publication is available at http://www.sajournalofeducation.co.za/
The original publication is available at http://www.sajournalofeducation.co.za/
Keywords
Bullying, Bullying -- Prevention, Schoolgirls -- Psychology
Citation
Swart, E. & Bredekamp, J. 2009. Non-physical bullying : exploring the perspectives of Grade 5 girls. South African Journal of Education, 29(3):405-425