Arbetsplatsvåld i skolan

Lärares emotionsarbete vid våld från elever

Abstract

Teachers are among the professional groups most frequently exposed to workplace violence, which affects their mental and physical health, their teaching, and the students involved. This article presents findings from a research project on threats and violence against teachers by pupils in Swedish lower secondary schools, and is based on interviews with teachers, representatives from the teacher unions, and principals. The analysis draws on sociological theories of emotions to examine the multifaceted nature of violence and its emotional impact, as well as how teachers manage the problem through emotional labour. A key conclusion is that it should not be left to individual teachers to handle complex situations alone; organisational measures are also required.