Violence in Schools: Why-and What Can We Do About it?

This paper discusses the causes and effects of the violence that occurs in schools. The author explores the notion of need (to be a part of, to belong, and to be connected) as it relates to the tendency toward violence, and conversely, the association between success in school, which allows for the development of positive self-esteem and therein socially acceptable behavior, with a tendency toward nonviolence. The paper explains how behavioral factors common to poor and disadvantaged students, such as a lack of esteem for self and for their educational institution contributes to a failure cycle. The paper also suggests that the development of the affective domain, coupled with sensitivity to culture, good instruction, and an educational environment that nurtures success, leads to an effectively functioning individual with a social, economic, political, and ethnic identity.