This report provides a detailed picture of how youth aged 12 to 20 in three American neighborhoods--Austin (Texas), St. Petersburg (Florida), and Savannah (Georgia)--spend their nonschool time and the amount and level of the basic "vitamins" of support from adults and institutions that they receive. The three neighborhoods are the…

A study was conducted to develop a theoretically and statistically sound measure of neighborhood affiliation for use with low-income urban youth. The aim was to develop a measure that can be used in future studies to predict community violence exposure among adolescents from inner-city neighborhoods. Participants were 167 adolescents from a public…

Explores the interpretation of experiences and world views of young people in deprived inner-city neighborhoods. Findings from six focus groups made up of 44 adolescents suggest the combination of mainstream and ghetto-specific norms in the interpretations these young people give to their environment and the ways in which experiences shape their…

The impact the father's attitude toward premarital sexual intercourse has on the sexual behavior of the father's adolescent child was studied with approximately 750 inner-city African American youth. Results showed that adolescent perceptions of paternal attitudes were predictive of teen sexual behavior independent of perceptions of maternal…

Examined self-reported depressive symptoms of inner-city adolescents (n=966) coming to health center for routine care. Thirty-eight percent indicated never being depressed. Of 573 who reported some depression, 78% reported infrequent symptoms, and 22% reported symptoms at least weekly. Explored relationships between frequently feeling depressed…

Existing literature on drug dealing and inner-city adolescents was reviewed. Around one in six urban adolescents has had some involvement with drug dealing, with rates higher for African-American males males over age 16. For inner-city teenagers, there are many problems associated with drug dealing, and few efforts to prevent it. (SLD)

This paper describes the role of religious institutions in reducing youth violence in the inner city. The paper focuses on the Ten-Point Coalition, a group of ministers in Boston who have contributed in specific ways to reducing youth violence in that city. It analyzes the effectiveness of the police in reducing violence, pointing to the…

Challenges recent portrayals of the demonic character of female gang members by examining the life histories and social organizations of several different female gangs. Interviews with 65 female gang members from seven groups show that these young women experience potential and actual violence in different violence prone situations. (SLD)

Describes how Youth for Oakland United is working for positive alternatives to crime and incarceration. It argues for a critical need for safe common spaces for teens and cites preventive measures in cities across America. It documents how research on Oakland recreation centers resulted in a successful citizen ballot initiative for youth…

Describes a program of research known as "Fostering Communities of Learners" that aims to improve the literacy skills and domain-area subject matter knowledge of inner-city students aged 6 to 12 years. The program builds on children's emergent strategic and metacognitive knowledge. (SLD)

This case study chronicles the lives of 20 inner-city adolescents and their experiences in and out of school. It explores the social construction of reality among these seventh and eighth graders and refutes the myth that these disadvantaged students suffer from cognitive deficits. The chapters are: (1) "Introduction"; (2) "The…

Qualitative research with 127 low-income young men and women, aged 14 to 30, in Rio de Janeiro found rigid gender roles with males displaying widespread "machista" attitudes (an exaggerated deep structure of masculinity) and acceptance of violence against women that was greater in low-income urban areas. Implications for working with…

Articles in this theme issue counter the myths of youth violence and probe the realities in school, the community, and the juvenile justice system. Most articles highlight the situations of urban youth of color. Alternative perspectives are presented, including some consideration of the situation of young women and girls, and some artwork and…

Investigates the attitudes of 91 human service counseling students toward working with an inner-city gang member. Results reveal qualitative differences in students' self-perceived ability to work with this client. Presents implications for human service education and training. (MKA)

Books in the Opposing Viewpoints Series present debates about current issues that can be used to teach critical reading and thinking skills. The variety of opinions expressed in this collection of articles and book excerpts explore many aspects of juvenile gangs. Some youths join gangs of their own free choice, to satisfy ego or greed. Others are…