School Violence in Context

In this pioneering new work, Benbenishty and Astor make striking use of the geopolitical climate of the Middle East to model school violence in terms of its context within as well as outside of the school site. Their unique approach uses empirical data to show which variables and factors are similar across different cultures and which variables appear unique to different cultures. This empirical contrast of universal with culturally specific patterns is sorely needed in the school violence literature. Drawing on the only major study ever conducted comparing Jewish and Arab-Israeli students, the authors map the contours of school violence, presenting some startling findings along the way. This study has enormous implications for school violence theory, research, and policy throughout the world. Its unique perspective on school violence will undoubtedly strike a chord with scholars and students across the fields of social work, psychology, education, sociology, public health, and peace and conflict studies. Its clearly written and accessible style will appeal to teachers, principals, policy makers, and parents interested in a practical discussion of policy and intervention implications, making this an invaluable blueprint for understanding and preventing violence in schools throughout the world.