Abstract
Bullying is a social experience. One theoretical perspective that has been utilized in the study of bullying that addresses the social context of bullying is the Ecological Model. The Ecological Model is a specialized form of systems theory that describes the complex of multiple factors that contribute to or prevent specific behaviors. The author's use Symbolic Interaction within the Systems model to explain the production and reproduction of a bullying culture at the lower levels. Power and social position are sociological themes that pervade the different levels of the ecological model and help to distinguish bullying from other forms of violence. Access to power is not solely decided by cultural determinants. The problem of bullying from a sociological perspective, taking into account larger cultural influences like country culture, community factors, gender and ethnicity, as well as school culture, peer groups, and individuals is sorely needed.
Bullying is a social experience. One theoretical perspective that has been utilized in the study of bullying that addresses the social context of bullying is the Ecological Model. The Ecological Model is a specialized form of systems theory that describes the complex of multiple factors that contribute to or prevent specific behaviors. The author's use Symbolic Interaction within the Systems model to explain the production and reproduction of a bullying culture at the lower levels. Power and social position are sociological themes that pervade the different levels of the ecological model and help to distinguish bullying from other forms of violence. Access to power is not solely decided by cultural determinants. The problem of bullying from a sociological perspective, taking into account larger cultural influences like country culture, community factors, gender and ethnicity, as well as school culture, peer groups, and individuals is sorely needed.