Bullying: Home

It's not just the bully in the schoolyard that we should be worried about. The one-on-one bullying that dominates the national conversation, this timely book suggests, is actually part of a larger problem—a natural outcome of the bullying nature of our national institutions. And as long as the United States embraces militarism and aggressive capitalism, systemic bullying and all its impacts—at home and abroad—will persist as a major crisis. Bullying looks very similar on the personal and institutional levels: it involves an imbalance of power and behavior that consistently undermines its victim, securing compliance and submission and reinforcing the bully's sense of superiority and legitimacy. The similarity, this book tells us, is not a coincidence. Applying the concept of the “sociological imagination,” which links private problems and public issues, authors Charles Derber and Yale Magrass argue that individual bullying is an outgrowth—and a necessary function—of a larger social phenomenon.

This volume explains how bullying became a problem in schools and what can be done about it. It also points readers to additional resources among the many that exist on the topic that will help them to fully understand it. Bullying: A Reference Handbook opens with a background and history of school bullying before diving into raging controversies over causes and solutions. It contains personal essays from experts in the field and profiles of empathy-building bullying prevention organizations and additionally includes data and documents, a chronological history of bullying, and resources for further research. Anyone interested in learning more about school bullying will come away with a clear understanding of the topic. This volume is the only resource on the issue of school bullying targeted for high school and college students as well as other serious researchers. With an emphasis on bullying prevention, including less well known but up-and-coming empathy-building programs, this book contributes ground-breaking material to help readers to learn about the scope of the problem as well as essential solutions that families and schools can practice in everyday life. Provides readers with an understanding of school bullying and its many forms, including gay-bashing, slut-bashing, and other forms of gender policing Suggests a number of remedies based on solid research that have effectively prevented school bullying Explains the crucial relationship between school bullying and the increase in school shootings Provides research about the role of self-esteem for those perceived as bullies as well as targets Profiles effective programs that build empathy and prevent school bullying

Award-winning educator Tina M. Owen-Moore details the beliefs and practices that made the Alliance School of Milwaukee the focus of national attention as the first school to open with the mission of being bully-free. The Alliance Way illustrates how creating a safe, inclusive, and academically challenging environment goes beyond a programming approach that targets bullying to a more holistic one in which building relationships takes center stage.   Owen-Moore describes the core tenets adopted by the school's staff and students, including the importance of shared power and authentic work; the role of relationships and joy in preventing harm; the need to prepare staff to support LGBTQ students and students who have experienced trauma; and systems for reporting and repairing harm when it occurs. She highlights how school leaders can lead from the middle within their districts to bring about change and provides tools and resources such as sample agendas from staff meetings, retreats, and team‐building activities.   Filled with real stories from an innovative school with a critical and compelling mission, The Alliance Way is an inspiring and practical resource for educators seeking answers on how to make schools engaging, accepting, and safe for all students.