Bullying: A Social Analysis

Our society, like others faces numerous social problems. Some are more recognized than others and are seen as social issues by the majority of the population. There are some we have been struggling with for generations, but have failed find a solutions to. There are also some issues that have only been recognized as a real social issues in recent years. The topic I chose is on that falls into that category. Bullying is a social issue that has only been seen as a real problem in last couple of decades. In the past it was not really viewed as a social problem by the public at large and some still do not recognize it as real social issue. Bullying is a serious global social issue that has long reaching effects on everyone in society, even if they

The violence in the wake of what was once seen as just a minor issue many kids had to deal with went against our cultural values. The effects on our society and against our cultural values do not end with the violence. Studies have shown that there may be a correlation between bullying and other social problems, such as crime and unemployment. One study showed that men who were bullied as children are more likely to commit crimes than those that were not bullied (Sansone, Lam, and Wiederman 2013a:69). Another study indicated that there is also a strong relationship between adult unemployment and being a victim of bullying as child (Sansone, Leung, and Wiederman 2013b:64). It is also not just an issue for our culture and country. Bullying is a problem that extends to most, if not all, cultures across the

They are also a greater risk for developing mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, which they may continue to struggle with into adulthood (Stop Bullying N.d.). Eating disorders or disturbed eating patterns can also become a problem for children who are bullied (Stop Bullying N.d.). This is especially true for girls that are teased about their weight. A study that took place from 2009 to 2010 concluded that teasing of overweight girls increased their risk of developing an eating disorder (Quick, McWilliams, and Byrd-Bredbenner 2013:508). However, the victims are not the only ones effected, the perpetrators and bystanders also experience negative effects. Kids that bully are more likely to use drugs and alcohol, both as kids and adults and they are more likely to commit crimes (Stop Bullying N.d.). They are also at greater risk for committing domestic violence or child abuse as adults (Stop Bullying N.d.). Those that witness bullying are at increased risk for depression and anxiety and are more likely to smoke, drink alcohol, and use drugs (Stop Bullying N.d.). Many of the effects of bullying linger on into adulthood and can have negatively impact everyone in society. It is not just the people directly involved with bullying that deal with the effects. All of society has to deal with increased unemployment, domestic violence, child abuse,