Gender, Bullying, and Harassment: Strategies to End Sexism and Homophobia in Schools

by Elizabeth J. Meyer, Lyn Mikel Brown (Foreword)

While there have been countless studies of bullying and harassment in schools, none have examined the key gender issues related to these behaviors. In her new book, Meyer does just that and offers readers tangible and flexible suggestions to help them positively transform the culture of their school and reduce the incidences of gendered harassment. The text features sections that speak specifically to administrators, teachers, counselors, student leaders, and community and family members. Integrating research, theory, and practical ideas connected to issues of sex, gender, sexual orientation, bullying, and harassment, this timely Elizabeth J. Meyer is an instructor at McGill University and a researcher at the Centre for the Study of Learning and Performance at Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec. “In this smart, brave book, Elizabeth Meyer speaks clearly and sensibly about differences that make a difference in children’s school lives.” —From the Foreword by Lyn Mikel Brown , Professor of Education, Colby College; author of Girlfighting
“Bullying and harassment remain serious impediments to learning for far too many students. In this thoughtful book, Dr. Meyer helps readers understand why this troubling behavior occurs and persists, and offers clear and easy-to-implement action steps for both individuals and institutions that are truly committed to creating environments where everyone can learn.”
— Kevin Jennings , Founder, The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
“In an accessible yet theoretically sound manner, Meyer creates a discourse that defines, identifies, and mentors us in tackling the insidious effects of bullying and harassment.”
— Shirley R. Steinberg , Academic Director, The Paulo and Nita Freire International Project for Critical Pedagogy
“Meyer’s work moves the bullying discussion far beyond worry, fear, and ignorance—she demands that we contextually understand both the cause and effects involved in this societal ill, then instructs us in efforts to end it.”
— Joe L. Kincheloe , Canada Research Chair, McGill University
“Elizabeth Meyer’s important new work reflects an incisive understanding of adolescent peer dynamics. She deepens our understanding of the ways harassment limits the potential of every student. Meyer’s powerful argument—that anti-gay harassment polices help all of us—is original and undeniable.”
— Rachel Simmons , author of Odd Girl The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, LGBT, Teaching

120 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2009

Reviews

[Ms. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't find any of the research findings in this book particularly enlightening, but it did give me a lot of perspective on the culture of the school I work at. I wish Meyer would have included more nuts and bolts solutions to gender identity and sexuality harassment- what exactly IS the right thing to say during a "teachable moment?" What does a strong GSA look like? I know these are the right things to do, was hoping this book would provide the "how to" and was disappointed when it didn't.

[LM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I acquired this book during my undergrad but I can’t say this with certainty. Regardless, this is a short, accessible and important text for teachers. I especially appreciated the resources and recommended additional reading as well as the overview of existing laws and legal protections and their relation to legal cases in the U.S. involving sexism and homophobia in schools.

[Rebecca Radnor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for a class; its a tiny little book that gives an overview for teachers on the various problems inherent in overcoming these sort of bullying. It talks about the need for community involvement and ways to 'nudge' recalcitrant school officials past their own prejudices. I would suggest as a good FIRST reading, but in some ways its a little too shallow to be truly useful, but is a good first read for the teacher who wants to help but hasn't a clue what to do about it.

[Liz Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Umm...I wrote this book, so its hard to review it. But I hope you all will read it and tell me what you think!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 5th and 6th chapters are especially illuminating and push me to personal action.