|
Abstract
|
VioLit summary:
OBJECTIVE:
The purpose of this article by Katz was to discuss urban adolescent violence in terms of its symbolic significance.
METHODOLOGY:
The author employed a non-experimental discussion of urban adolescent youth violence based on a larger piece of the author's research.
FINDINGS/DISCUSSION:
The characteristics and collective behavior of urban adolescents was noted as markedly distinct in vivid and important ways from that of middle-class youths. For example, territorial rites were extremely important for urban deviants, while middle-class deviants were more commonly concerned with symbolic rejections of territory. In addition, contrary to the middle-class "hippies" or "beatniks," urban groups aggressively advocated segregation. Katz noted that another important distinction between these two groups was the fact that urban groups tended to stylize themselves as elites, assuming the characteristics of aristocrats. On the other hand, the middle-class adolescent groups tended to dress down in a symbolic attempt to associate themselves with the poor and rejected. The symbolism of the aristocrat was also a useful tool for exploring characteristics of street fighting groups. For example, ghetto street fighters were often seen as apathetic toward official authority. Acting as though they were living in an independent, autonomous state these youths were seen as concentrating on private rules of legitimacy, authority, and honor. Further examples of the aristocratic character of urban street fighters may be found in the text of graffiti and the names given to members.
Katz suggests that when the members of ghetto youth gangs take on an elitist demeanor, claiming rule and dominance in a given area, they are serving to transcend the realities of daily life. Violence also serves, according to Katz, to transform the routine daily existence of ghetto life by providing a means to prestige and glory. Moreover, Katz suggests that violence is a necessity for urban groups because it enables them to maintain the impression that the streets are battlefields where only the strongest and bravest can survive. In a bond of reciprocity, urban street youths fight among themselves in order to justify their existence as elites. Katz also says that street violence transforms the economically distressed environment into an intimidating ground where material interests are second to glory and prestige. Additionally, Katz claimed that urban youths groups refer to themselves as "Nations" establishing both a territorial claim and a cultural identity. The specific, horizontal violence characterized by street fighters also shapes the conduct of authority and social workers, Katz said. Police, for example, are found attempting to show gangs respect during interrogations and arrests. In order to more fully understand gang violence we must, according to Katz, take into consideration these symbolic characteristics of gang activity.
(CSPV Abstract - Copyright © 1992-2007 by the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence, Institute of Behavioral Science, Regents of the University of Colorado)
Gang Violence
Juvenile Gang
Juvenile Offender
Juvenile Violence
Violence Causes
Urban Violence
Urban Youth
Offender Characteristics
Social Class
Class Factors
Sociocultural Factors
Socioeconomic Factors
05-05 |