Policy Press

Dealing, Music and Youth Violence

Neighbourhood Relational Change, Isolation and Youth Criminality

By James Alexander

Published

Jan 17, 2023

Page count

166 pages

ISBN

978-1529216516

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Jan 17, 2023

Page count

166 pages

ISBN

978-1529216523

Dimensions

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Jan 17, 2023

Page count

166 pages

ISBN

978-1529216523

Dimensions

Imprint

Bristol University Press
Dealing, Music and Youth Violence

Depending on their dynamics, neighbourhoods may serve to contain or exacerbate youth violence. This book uses fascinating ethnographic and interview data to explore the disappearance of localized relationships in a South London housing estate. Through a comparative analysis of the experiences of different generations, James Alexander considers the impact of both wider socio-economic developments and the gradual move from neighbourly to professional support for young people.

As well as evaluating the effectiveness of youth work programmes, he considers how the actions of neighbours and the decisions of policymakers influence how supported young people feel and, consequently, their vulnerability to criminal influences.

James Alexander is Associate Enterprise Fellow in Criminology at London Metropolitan University.

1. Introduction: Nearly Two Decades of Concern, yet Young People Are Still Dying

2. The Wider Historical and Social Context of ‘Black Criminality’ and Youth Violence

3. Exploring the Neighbourhood

4. Localised Disempowerment and the Development of Criminal Cultures

5. All Alone: Youth Isolation and the Embedding of a Violent Street Culture

6. Studio Time, Drill and the Criminalisation of Black Culture

7. Separated, Isolated, Unconnected

8. The New Normal: From Gang Violence to Individualised Danger and Child Criminal Exploitation

9. Learning from the Past, or More of the Same

10. Conclusion: Better Support but the Violence Remains