Meaning and Usage of a Term for Bullying-Like Phenomena in South Korea: A Lifespan Perspective

Abstract

This study investigates the meaning and usage of the term wang-ta and other terms for bullying-like phenomena in an Eastern culture, South Korea. Data were obtained from 113 participants, ranging from young children to adults. Age-related differences in usage were found, in part developmental, but also suggesting some recent historical changes perhaps due to fashion in usage of terms especially in adolescence. Nevertheless, the term wang-ta and related terms all emphasize social exclusion, and this is argued to reflect the collectivistic nature of South Korean society.