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Dangerous Work: The Gendered Nature of Bullying in the Context of Higher Education
Author(s) -
Simpson Ruth,
Cohen Claire
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
gender, work and organization
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.159
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1468-0432
pISSN - 0968-6673
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-0432.2004.00227.x
Subject(s) - context (archaeology) , set (abstract data type) , perception , relation (database) , workplace bullying , work (physics) , higher education , social psychology , psychology , sociology , political science , engineering , geography , archaeology , database , neuroscience , computer science , law , programming language , mechanical engineering
This article discusses results from a research project which set out to investigate gender differences in the nature and experience of bullying within the higher education sector. Gender differences emerged in the form and perception of bullying as well as in target responses. Results also indicate that, irrespective of gender, bullies can capture and subvert organizational structures and procedures (such as official hierarchies, mentoring systems and probationary reviews) to further their abuse of the target and to conceal their aggressive intent. These outcomes are discussed in relation to gendered assumptions behind management practices and in relation to the masculinist ethic that underpins many higher education management initiatives. Overall, results indicate that bullying cannot be divorced from gender and that such behaviour needs to be seen in a gendered context.