New studies have found that swearing in the office can help release steam, as well as create a bonding effect between co-workers.
Some students at Texas A&M University-Commerce have decided to tackle the subject.
Journalism major Catherine Hall believes using profanity in the classroom is unnecessary.
“I think professors cursing in the classroom sets a bad example for students,” Hall said. “It makes me feel uncomfortable.”
The study, conducted by the University of East Anglia in England, reports that foul language creates a good team spirit, allows staff to vent frustrations and cements relationships.
Professor Yehuda Baruch, in charge of the study, doesn’t feel that using profanity poses any threats to the social environment.
“Swearing is used as a social phenomenon to reflect solidarity and enhance group cohesiveness or as a psychological phenomenon to release stress,” Baruch said.
Although this study was done specifically for the workplace, the effects of using profanity also apply to other environments such as the classroom.
Research done at Iowa State University aimed to find out what its students thought of professors using profanity.
The students there found it was more of a personal choice rather than an issue of rules and codes of conduct.
“Swearing in the classroom is fine as long as it is used at the appropriate times. I think it does actually unify the student and teacher because it is something they feel they have in common. It?-?in some ways?-?puts them on the same level,” Stephanie Garret, undergraduate English major said.
Professor Baruch warned there is a difference between abusive swearing and offensive swearing; but both could cause stress and he recommends they not be used.
“The challenge is to master the art of knowing when to turn a blind eye,” Baruch said.