A Position Statement on Social Justice, Physical Education, and Bullying: A Figurational Sociological Perspective. Issue 2 (3rd April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mierzwinski, Mark; Cock, Steven; Velija, Philippa
• Is Part Of: Quest. Volume 71:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 215
• Page End: 226
• Publication Date: 2019-04-03
• Subjects: Bullying -- physical education -- social justice -- figurational sociology; Kinesiology -- Periodicals; Physical education and training -- Periodicals; 613.7
• DOI: 10.1080/00336297.2018.1551807
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0033-6297

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Bullying is increasingly considered to be an important moral, political, and social issue within modern society. Academic research on this issue has mostly been examined through a psychological lens, often using questionnaire data to examine and explain the prevalence of different types of bullying. In this position statement, we apply a figurational sociological perspective to examine issues of school-based bullying in physical education. We critically reflect on attempts to position bullying amongst young people as a "social justice" issue and argue that core figurational principles might potentially help researchers strive toward a more reality-congruent means of conceptualizing the power-relationships that are inherent within bullying. We further maintain that the development of a more detached understanding of issues relating to bullying might provide a more adequate basis to contribute to future ongoing policy development.