Bullying, 'Cussing' and 'Mucking About': Complexities in Tackling Homophobia in Three Secondary Schools in South London, UK

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Bullying, 'Cussing' and 'Mucking About': Complexities in Tackling Homophobia in Three Secondary Schools in South London, UK
Language: English
Authors: Warwick, Ian, Aggleton, Peter
Source: Sex Education: Sexuality, Society and Learning. 2014 14(2):159-173.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 15
Publication Date: 2014
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Bullying, Secondary School Students, Educational Environment, Homosexuality, Social Bias, Student Attitudes, Single Sex Schools, Coeducation, Intervention, Consciousness Raising, Attitude Change, Case Studies, Semi Structured Interviews, Teacher Attitudes, Gender Differences, School Culture, Language Usage, Familiarity
Geographic Terms: United Kingdom (London)
DOI: 10.1080/14681811.2013.854204
ISSN: 1468-1811
Abstract: In countries such as the UK, schools have a responsibility to prevent all forms of bullying, including those related to sexual orientation. However, relatively little is known about how schools go about this work successfully. This study aimed to identify how three secondary schools in south London, England, were addressing homophobia. Three different kinds of schools--a co-educational, boys' and girls' school--were selected, each known to have conducted work to counter homophobic bullying. In each school, interviews were conducted with staff and pupils. Work on homophobia and homophobic bullying was said by most staff respondents to be part of a general commitment to countering bullying. Pupils stated that they were keen that homophobic bullying should be tackled -- and distinguished bullying from "cussing", "taking the mick" and "mucking about". Work carried out in schools had influenced pupils to consider homophobia and its effects -- although the media as well as personal and family relationships were also important in this respect. Findings are discussed with regard to ways in which schools might better align what they do with regard to pupils' own values and understandings about how best to address homophobia and bullying.
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 54
Entry Date: 2014
Accession Number: EJ1028198
Database: ERIC
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Abstract:In countries such as the UK, schools have a responsibility to prevent all forms of bullying, including those related to sexual orientation. However, relatively little is known about how schools go about this work successfully. This study aimed to identify how three secondary schools in south London, England, were addressing homophobia. Three different kinds of schools--a co-educational, boys' and girls' school--were selected, each known to have conducted work to counter homophobic bullying. In each school, interviews were conducted with staff and pupils. Work on homophobia and homophobic bullying was said by most staff respondents to be part of a general commitment to countering bullying. Pupils stated that they were keen that homophobic bullying should be tackled -- and distinguished bullying from "cussing", "taking the mick" and "mucking about". Work carried out in schools had influenced pupils to consider homophobia and its effects -- although the media as well as personal and family relationships were also important in this respect. Findings are discussed with regard to ways in which schools might better align what they do with regard to pupils' own values and understandings about how best to address homophobia and bullying.
ISSN:1468-1811
DOI:10.1080/14681811.2013.854204