Psychological and Sociological Approaches on the Phenomenon of Bullying in Societies

Bullying, as a behavioral phenomenon, is as old as humanity itself, yet it continues to evolve in response to shifting cultural and societal norms.Despite its enduring presence across civilizations, academic inquiry into bullying began relatively recently in the 1970s.Today, bullying is recognized as a pervasive and deeply entrenched issue with the capacity to undermine the psychological and social stability of both individuals and communities, transcending barriers of race, religion, language, and social class.Its alarming prevalence in familial, educational, professional, and social settings has drawn the attention of governments, international organizations, media outlets, and scholars alike.This intensified focus reflects growing awareness of its profound psychological, social, and economic consequences-many of which persist well into adulthood.Against this backdrop, researchers have endeavored to analyze the phenomenon through various theoretical lenses, with interpretations shaped by distinct disciplinary, cultural, and epistemological paradigms.This paper examines the psychological and sociological approaches that underpin our understanding of bullying, delving into its conceptualization, manifestations, antecedents, and repercussions.