ABSTRACT
This chapter describes how identity-based bullying is reflected and influenced by cultural factors. It provides examples of social inequalities and prejudices that can manifest as identity-based bullying within a school. The author examines cultural influences through a variety of avenues, including policies and laws regarding social issues and representations of identity within popular media. The chapter talks about income inequalities and prejudice against the poor, battles over legal rights for LGBT individuals, and discrimination based on race/ethnicity and religion. The momentum that has gathered around securing same-sex marriage rights within the U.K. and the U.S. has been notable. The same-sex marriage is legal within the U.S. and most of the U.K., it is important for LGBTQ advocates to consider how to build on this momentum to address other important issues facing this population. The chapter highlights the cultural tensions related to immigration, ethnicity, or religion can make their way into schools and into the interactions between children.
