Citation

Adams EB. Race justice 2012; 2(4): 274-303.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/2153368712452434

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Urban communities in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago have transformed into war zones; citizens report that crime and violence are the primary problems incapacitating their communities . Research has focused on the heightened levels of national homicide rates, gang violence, and juvenile delinquency. However, often ignored is how violence is negotiated and compromises the lives of citizens in Trinidad and Tobago. Using a grounded theory approach and 30 semistructured interviews with community members, this article investigates citizens' responses to violence in an underprivileged predominantly Black community in Northwest Trinidad. Results suggest that the social and environmental context of the neighborhood fosters residents' refusal to report witnessed violence, women's implementation of self-imposed ecological imprisonment, and residents' use of strategies (e.g., building walls) to create distance between them and other community members. Policy implications involve enhancing citizens' sense of security and revitalizing bonds between community members.

Language: en