“Words Speak Louder than Actions”: The Connection between Gendered Language and Bullying Behavior

Abstract

Gender inequalities have been examined at individual and institutional levels. One key way that gender differences are reinforced is through language. To examine gendered language differences, this study goes beyond what girls and boys say to examine how they describe their experiences, pertaining specifically to bullying. The central research question of this study is, “How do girls and boys interpret and explain their experiences of being bullied?” Using open-ended questions from a national survey, this study applies a qualitative content analysis and OSL regression analysis to determine how gender socialization has influenced how girls and boys communicate their experiences. Findings include girls’ tendency to offer in-depth responses, which reflect storytelling, while boys minimized their victimization by giving off a tough front. This study suggests that gendered patterns of language serve to reinforce gender differences in how girls and boys reflect on their experiences with bullying.