Multiperspectivity on School Bullying

Multiperspectivity on School Bullying is unique in providing a comprehensive account of school bullying from the perspectives of schools, teachers, parents, students and institutional authorities. It identifies diverse viewpoints and discusses their implications for addressing bullying and thereby improving the mental health and well-being of children. Drawing on findings from studies conducted in a wide range of countries, including those undertaken by the author in his own country, Australia, this book examines experiences of bullying and debates around how bullying can be best understood, managed and discouraged. It outlines what is needed before an agreed understanding of the problem can be reached and more effective anti-bullying programs devised and implemented. The book examines both historical and cultural factors relating to bullying and violence; major theoretical and research perspectives on bullying; views of different social groups affected by bullying; and how different institutional authorities view school bullying. It highlights the need for a multiperspectivity approach to bullying, taking into account and evaluating a variety of viewpoints that are currently held. This book will be of great interest to academics, researchers and students in the fields of bullying, wellbeing and mental health in schools. It will also be valuable reading for educational leaders around the globe.

"There is no shortage of books on bullying; finding one that makes a novel contribution is rare. Dr. Rigby’s new book is such a contribution. It provides a unique approach – multiperspectivity – that brings together in one volume various lenses through which to examine bullying. The subjectivity of human experience is acknowledged, and multiperspectivity allows the reader to take the multiple interpretations of experience into account. Sprinkled with literary, philosophical, and historical allusions, Rigby provides a thoughtful and thorough narrative that exposes the limited ways in which each audience or position has considered the issue. He describes in detail the varied views of researchers, teachers, students, parents, and authorities in a highly readable style, drawing upon insights from psychology, sociology, philosophy, and history. I pride myself on be well-informed about bullying, but I must say I definitely learned a great deal from this fascinating and thought-provoking book. Taking these multiple perspectives into consideration promotes thinking more inclusively about how to tackle the problem."Sheri Bauman, Professor of Counseling, University of Arizona, USA. "This timely book from a pioneer of research into bullying takes account of different perspectives on bullying, and, crucially, enables the voice of the child to be heard. As Ken Rigby argues, one pair of eyes is not enough. More is needed to understand and deal with bullying and harassment in schools."Helen Cowie, Emeritus Professor, University of Surrey, UK. "Ken Rigby's latest book on school bullying highlights the differing perspectives on this important topic, from teachers, parents and pupils, as well as researchers. He brings a wealth of experience to his endeavour, and lightens the text with many illustrations and quotations. This is an immensely readable book, full of useful and thought-provoking observations, including on historical and cultural aspects. It will be a valuable contribution to the growing literature available to those concerned with reducing the prevalence of bullying, and making schools a happier place to work and study in." Peter K. Smith, Emeritus Professor of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, UK. "This book offers a most interesting perspective showing that bullying is both complex and value loaded, and consequently there will be different perspectives on both dynamics, prevention, and intervention. And moreover, that such different perspectives will be – to some degree – dependent on historical time, macro culture and position related to bullying; researchers, teachers, students, parents and so on. It provides the reader with a very broad overview of this complexity, based on research and other literature, which I liked very much."Erling Roland, Professor of Educational Psychology, University of Stavangar, Norway.

Ken Rigby, OAM, is Adjunct Professor at the University of South Australia.