In his book "The Full Cupboard of Life," Alexander McCall Smith suggests that bullies often come from troubled home environments. He explains that many bullies have difficult relationships with their parents, particularly with harsh mothers and ineffective fathers, which instills fear in them. This fear may manifest in their bullying behavior as a coping mechanism, indicating deeper issues stemming from their family dynamics.

Smith's observation highlights a broader pattern where children who face challenges at home may act out against others. He extends this idea beyond childhood, implying that the behaviors developed due to familial dysfunction can persist into adulthood, affecting men's relationships and interactions as well. Understanding this context is key to addressing and mitigating bullying behavior.