Introduction : the case for rethinking school violence

School violence is a complex issue that raises important questions about social and educational relationships and about the nature of schooling itself. Explanations of possible causes abound, as researchers, educationalists and communities alike look for answers to a problem that persists - and at times erupts with deadly consequences - in what are ordinarily considered to be safe and supportive places for children and young people. Numerous definitions of violence have attempted to describe, delineate and categorise terms such as 'bullying' and 'violence', yet these are subject to ongoing debate and generally reflect the philosophical and ideological underpinnings of particular disciplinary fields. Contributors to this book locate their work within a broad sociocultural research tradition, informed by fields as diverse as sociology, anthropology, education, criminology and literary, media and cultural studies.