Why does bullying difficult to be stopped/ controlled? With the current issues going on about bullying (refer to Almarhumah Zara Qairina and others), one could not help from thinking, why does bullying persist?
There are many psychological theories can explain why bullying happens. But at this moment, I will focus on one theory aka Moral disengagement theory by Albert Bandura to explain why individuals engage in bullying behavior without feeling guilt or shame. According to Bandura’s theory, people use psychological mechanisms to disconnect their actions from their moral standards, allowing them to justify or minimize the harm they cause. Here’s how each of the eight mechanisms can apply to bullying:
1. Moral Justification
Bullies may believe their actions “serve” a purpose, such as enforcing social norms or teaching someone a lesson.
Example: “They deserved it for being weird” or “I was just helping them toughen up” or “I have been in the same situation and I turn out alright. So, by doing this, I help them to be resilient” or “Saya pun pernah kena juga macam ni dulu. Bila saya buat dia macam ni, saya membantu dia sebenarnya supaya menjadi lebih tabah”
2. Euphemistic Labeling
Using softer language to describe harmful behavior makes it seem less serious.
Example: Calling bullying “just teasing” or “messing around.” or “Biasa la budak-budak bergurau je tu“.
3. Advantageous Comparison
Comparing their behavior to worse actions to make it seem acceptable.
Example: “At least I didn’t hit them” or “Others do way worse.” “Dia buat lagi teruk dari aku”
4. Displacement of Responsibility
Blaming authority figures or peer pressure for their actions.
Example: “The group made me do it” or “The teacher didn’t stop it, so it must be okay.” or “Aku bukan nak sangat pukul dia. Orang lain yang suruh aku”
5. Diffusion of Responsibility
Spreading the blame across a group to reduce personal accountability.
Example: “We all laughed at them and it wasn’t just me.” or “I am just doing what others are doing”
6. Disregard or Distortion of Consequences
Minimizing the impact of their actions on the victim.
Example: “They’re just being dramatic” or “It didn’t really hurt them.” or “I just hit him/her once. It is not that painful as compared to falling down on your own” or “Ala benda kecik je pun nak dibesarkan”
7. Dehumanization
Seeing the victim as less worthy of empathy or respect.
Example: Using derogatory names or labels that strip away the victim’s humanity. “Gendut, kau kena terima memang kau gendut. Aku bukan panggil kau gendut kalau kau tak gendut“
8. Attribution of Blame
Blaming the victim for the bullying.
Example: “They brought it on themselves” or “If they weren’t so annoying, I wouldn’t have done it.” or “She likes to show off. She is the one who starts this”