Why Do Teachers Fear? Investigating Teachers' Perceptions of the Culture of Fear through Mixed Methods Research


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Authors

  • Bünyamin AĞALDAY
  • Mehmet YİĞİT

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33200/ijcer.1025710

Keywords:

Fear, Culture of fear, Teachers, Schools, Mixed-methods

Abstract

This research aims to reveal the source of fears by examining various variables of teachers' perceptions of fear culture. The study employed an explanatory approach of mixed methods research. Quantitative data were obtained through the "Culture of Fear in Schools Scale," while qualitative data were gathered through a semi-structured interview form. Quantitative data were collected from 325 teachers working in primary and secondary schools in Turkey, selected via the simple random sampling method. Qualitative data were collected from 15 teachers selected using the maximum variation sampling method. Many contradictions have emerged between the quantitative and qualitative findings in the study. While quantitative findings show that teachers experience low levels of fear originating from administrators, colleagues, and legal processes, qualitative results show that teachers experience these fears more prominently. In addition, based on the variables of gender, marital status, seniority at the current school, employment status, and professional seniority, a statistically significant difference was found between teachers' perceptions of the culture of fear. In conclusion, the research provides some evidence for the existence of a culture of fear in schools. In addition, some critical implications regarding the origin of teachers' perceived fears were discussed for future research, practitioners, and policymakers.

Author Biographies

Bünyamin AĞALDAY

Corresponding Author: Bünyamin Ağalday, bunyaminagalday@artuklu.edu.tr

Bünyamin AĞALDAY
MARDIN ARTUKLU UNIVERSITY
0000-0003-0128-5055
Türkiye

Mehmet YİĞİT

Mehmet YİĞİT
Kızıltepe TOKI Primary School
0000-0003-3776-4437
Türkiye

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Published

30.10.2022

How to Cite

AĞALDAY, B., & YİĞİT, M. (2022). Why Do Teachers Fear? Investigating Teachers’ Perceptions of the Culture of Fear through Mixed Methods Research. International Journal of Contemporary Educational Research, 9(1), 204–218. https://doi.org/10.33200/ijcer.1025710

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Articles