Mothers' perceptions of factors influencing violence in schools

This study investigated mothers' perceptions of factors contributing to sch ool violence. Of 345 mothers, 225 (65%) from urban public schools and 120 ( 35%) from suburban public schools, significant differences in perceptions o f school violence were Sound on the enabling factors subscale for school lo cation. Urban school mothers were significantly more likely than suburban m others to attribute violence problems at their child's school to the lack o f dress codes, violent messages in rap music, and poor parent/teacher commu nication. Significant differences in perceptions of school violence were fo und on the reinforcing factor subscale for school location, income, family structure, and race. Mothers of low- and middle-income, single parents, and African Americans were much more optimistic about the possibility that vio lence prevention programs for students, parents, and teachers would work we ll to stop or reduce school violence than were higher-income, married and W hite mothers. These mothers also were more likely to believe it was accepta ble for their child to fight at school than were their counterparts.