Constructing Bullying in Ontario, Canada: A Critical Policy Analysis

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Constructing Bullying in Ontario, Canada: A Critical Policy Analysis
Language: English
Authors: Winton, Sue, Tuters, Stephanie
Source: Educational Studies. 2015 41(1-2):122-142.
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: 21
Publication Date: 2015
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Bullying, Incidence, Democracy, Neoliberalism, Policy Analysis, Behavior Problems, Criticism, Foreign Countries, Educational Policy, Educational Legislation, Discourse Analysis
Geographic Terms: Canada
DOI: 10.1080/03055698.2014.955737
ISSN: 0305-5698
Abstract: As the prevalence and negative effects of bullying become widely known, people around the world seem desperate to solve the bullying "problem". A sizeable body of research about many aspects of bullying and a plethora of anti-bullying programmes and policies now exist. This critical policy analysis asks: how does Ontario, Canada's bullying policy support and/or undermine critical democracy; and how does it reflect, support and further the interests of neoliberalism and/or neoconservatism? Findings indicate that the policy constructs the problem of bullying as a problem of individuals and a "behaviour for learning" problem. The policy also prescribes standardised responses to bullying incidents. We explore ways in which these constructions are undemocratic and unjust. The findings are particularly concerning because bullying policies are often viewed as innocuous by practitioners. This paper offers more than just critique by providing suggestions for how research and policies can become more just and equitable and how bullying policy may be enacted to support critical democracy.
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 84
Entry Date: 2014
Accession Number: EJ1044535
Database: ERIC
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