Analysing bully-victim formation through symbolic interactionism: A case study in China

Abstract

Bullying is a pervasive public behaviour that raises significant global concerns, inflicting harm on bullies, victims, and bully-victims. This qualitative case study investigates bully-victim role formation through the lens of symbolic interactionism. Data were collected via interviews and observations with a Chinese adolescent boy identified as a bully-victim, by his family, teachers, and peers. Findings revealed the case subject experienced relational and physical victimization, while perpetrating financial, verbal, and physical bullying. Family violence, school exclusion, and an aggressive community culture shaped the subject's aggressive responses over time. Unique aspects of the Chinese cultural context, including parent–child dynamics within migrant families and teacher–student relationships, influenced role development. This novel application of symbolic interactionism sheds light on the complex interplay between multisystem interactions, emotions, and confrontational actions underlying the case subject's bully-victim status. The study underscores the value of qualitative explorations, giving voice to bully-victims' perspectives. Findings can inform culturally specific bullying prevention and highlight how contextual interactions shape adolescents' roles. This rare glimpse into bully-victim experiences in China advances theoretical perspectives and has important implications for research and practice addressing the worldwide problem of bullying.