Rising Aggression and Bullying Top of Mind for Australians: Latest Ipsos Mackay Study
April 27, 2010
Australians feel vulnerable at the signs of an ever-more aggressive and anti-social society with bullying in the schoolyard, workplace and cyber space emerging as the most dominant issue in the latest Ipsos Mackay 'Mind & Mood' study.
In the bi-annual study that asks consumers which issues are currently top of mind, people mostly attributed the burgeoning violence to increasing levels of tension in the community and to an overall decline in traditional values of courtesy, compassion and respect. Participants were also dismayed by the waning of discipline.
There was a rising concern that some individuals are engaging in new, premeditated acts of violence. For example, the recent trend for young people to leave home carrying knives and their readiness to use them.
"Participants questioned whether this was yet another symptom of a society in which things were out of control," said Ipsos Mackay Director of Research Dr Rebecca Huntley.
Huntley added: "Tales of bullying dominated discussion for this new study. Anyone seen as 'different' is a potential target and people feel helpless about what to do and where to turn".
While parents reported that bullying in schools was endemic, the workplace was not immune.
"Participants referred to working in organisations where they had faced violence and abuse and these cultures often went unchecked and unchallenged," added Dr Huntley.
For younger people and their parents, the most recent cause for concern was cyber bullying through email, internet chat rooms and mobile phone text messages.
"Respondents discussed the difficulties of dealing with this recent form of bullying because victims can be reached anywhere, anytime," commented Dr Huntley.
One participant commented: "We've lost control of the kids. On the home front the parents have lost control and in the schools the teachers have too."
On the other hand, some participants in this study felt bullying has always been an age-old behaviour that is an unfortunate but inevitable part of life.
Interestingly, there was little discussion about political issues, despite the fact that it is an election year. Respondents did not want to engage in serious discussion about politics apart from a desire to express cynicism, disappointment and disillusionment.
Like the previous Mind and Mood report in October 2009, the GFC was no longer the focus for Australians. Instead, participants revisited their anger about lack of transport planning, expenditure and infrastructure, the health system, and a perceived lack of government leadership and planning on water.
Overall, participants in the latest research were frustrated by the extent of what they said was government neglect, myopia and incompetence when it came to planning and development of infrastructure for the future.
The respected Ipsos Mackay Report has been conducted over the last 30 years and was initially developed by social researcher Hugh Mackay. Based on qualitative methodology, the research technique used for this report was 16 group discussions which were undertaken in March 2010. Participants ranged from their early 20s to mid 70s and lived in various states across the country.
For all Ipsos Mackay reports, the group discussions follow the principles of non-directive research. This is a very different approach from conventional 'focus groups' where individuals are assembled in a central location, generally observed through a two-way mirror or via closed circuit TV and the discussion is actively controlled by the facilitator.
For further information contact:
Rebecca Huntley
T: 02 9900 5100
E: rebecca.huntley@ipsos.com
About Ipsos
Ipsos is one of the world's leading survey-based marketing research firms. Founded and run by market research professionals, Ipsos interprets, simulates, and anticipates the needs and reactions of consumers, customers and citizens – locally, nationally and around the world. Ipsos has a direct presence in more than 65 countries globally and conducts research in more than 100.