NCJ Number
212459
Journal
Journal of School Violence Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: 2005 Pages: 119-130
Date Published
2005
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article explores the issue of bullying and power relations within the Polish educational system.
Abstract
The country of Poland has undergone extensive changes within its social processes, affecting all spheres of life, including the economic, political, and spiritual realms. The widespread change has ushered in increased brutality among school children in Poland as well as an increase in brutality toward students from teachers. The author charges that the Polish educational system perpetuates both symbolic and structural violence within its pedagogical system. Teachers often resort to the domination of students as a means of retaining their prestige and superiority, transmitting messages of power and control to their students. The author also examines how elements of pop culture have transformed students, ushering in a culture of “having” rather than “being.” A solution is offered to the violence found within schools and within the larger Polish society: the current culture of confrontation must be substituted for a culture of dialog that combines the assertiveness already found in Polish culture with empathy. Assertiveness training should focus on teaching children how to stand up for their own rights while respecting the rights of others. The author presents the general assumptions for a local anti-bullying project in the Town Council of Nowa Ruda that illustrates a move toward a culture of dialog in the country. References