3 Review(s)

Girls bullying is more subtle and less physical than that perpetrated by boys; however, it can be just as powerful, and the emotional repercussions of bullying among girls can be more destructive and longer lasting than the effects of more obvious forms of bullying. Teachers report that quarrels between girls are far more time-consuming and difficult to resolve than the disputes of boys, yet not enough information is available to guide them on dealing with girls fighting and unhappiness caused by their relationships with other girls, many of whom may have been their closest friends. Understanding Girls Friendships, Fights and Feuds illuminates the issue of girls bullying an issue that can cause a great deal of distress but which is sometimes ignored or dismissed by adults. Drawing on close observations of girls behaviour, Val Besag provides an in-depth understanding of girls bullying, exploring the mechanisms and language that girls use to entice some into their groups and exclude others.