Class Warfare in the Classroom: A Qualitative Study of Clothing and Bullying

• In Event: 18.065 - The Role of Bullying and Teacher-Student Relationships in Secondary Students' Health and Achievement

Abstract

As educators we must create an environment conducive for all students to learn, but sometimes our efforts are hindered by those who bully others. This study examined 41 college students’ definitions and perceptions of incidents of bullying that they witnessed, or where they were the victim or perpetrator, throughout their K-12 schooling. Several themes emerged, including reasons students bully. Over half of the participants discussed clothing as a reason that they, or others, were bullied in school. Some participants recalled how the treatment they received in school changed when they started wearing name brands. To explore this theme more thoroughly, the research question for this study was: What role does clothing play in incidents of bullying in schools?

Authors

• William P. Williams, Concord University

• Angela W. Williams, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University