Understanding Bullying- Power Repetition and Intent
As commonly observed, bullying tends to manifest as a dynamic wherein a discernible asymmetry of power is present, with the perpetrator exerting dominance over the recipient of their aggression (Rambaran et al., 2019). Bullies frequently demonstrate a proclivity for aggressive and iterative conduct to inflict harm, which may manifest in various forms, such as physical, verbal, relational, or cyberbullying. The actions undertaken by individuals are purposefully aimed at instilling fear, exerting dominance, or belittling those whom they target. On the contrary, individuals subjected to bullying encounter the adverse consequences of said conduct, encompassing emotions of trepidation, degradation, and psychological anguish.
The concept of in-groups and out-groups is inherently distinct from the phenomenon of bullying. In-groups can be conceptualized as cohesive social entities wherein individuals find themselves affiliated, fostering a profound sense of identity, inclusion, and interpersonal reinforcement. They can foster a sense of positive self-regard and enhance one’s emotional equilibrium (LibreTexts, 2016). Conversely, out-groups can be defined as those individuals who are deliberately excluded from a specific in-group. Although exclusion can inflict emotional distress, it is imperative to discern that it does not inherently amount to the malicious behaviour commonly referred to as bullying.
During the developmental stage known as middle childhood, it is not uncommon for individuals belonging to the out-group to encounter instances of exclusion. However, it is imperative to acknowledge that bullying is not exclusively contingent upon the dynamics within the in-group. Bullying can be understood as a manifestation of the inherent power asymmetry that exists between individuals. It is a well-established fact that individuals belonging to both the in-group and out-group can experience the unfortunate circumstance of being either victims or perpetrators of bullying behaviour.
The favourable attributes of in-groups encompass the provision of assistance and the cultivation of camaraderie. In contrast, out-groups have the potential to cultivate fortitude, self-sufficiency, and the occasion for a multiplicity of viewpoints (Turner, 2017). Both phenomena possess significant social and emotional ramifications; however, it is imperative to acknowledge that bullying, in particular, engenders detrimental effects. Consequently, proactive interventions become indispensable to effectively confront this issue and safeguard the overall welfare of all parties involved.
References
LibreTexts. (2016). 6.2: Types of groups. Social Sci LibreTexts. https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Sociology/Introduction_to_Sociology/Introductory_Sociology_1e_(OpenStax)/06%3A_Groups_and_Organizations/6.02%3A_Types_of_Groups
Rambaran, J. A., Dijkstra, J. K., & Veenstra, R. (2019). Bullying as a group process in childhood: A longitudinal social network analysis. Child Development, 91(4). https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13298
Turner, F. J. (2017). Social work treatment: Interlocking theoretical approaches. Oxford University Press.
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Question 
What differentiates bullies from those being bullied? What types of behaviour are considered bullying? What are the differences between bullying and in-groups? Could the out- group be more likely victims of bullying in middle childhood?
Understanding Bullying- Power Repetition and Intent
Why or why not? What are some positive aspects of in-groups and out-groups?
Please respond to 2 classmates.
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