Deanna L. Wilkinson

Wilkinson studies the role of violence and guns in the construction the social identity of minority youth.

Wilkinson studies 125 violent African American and Latino males aged 16 to 24 in New York City, analyzing 306 violent situations of which 151 involve guns. The social world of these youths is characterized by violence, internalized street codes, limited opportunities, and the availability of firearms. Violent events are public social performances. These performances often have serious consequences for social identity and personal safety. Wilkinson shows how violence is a resource for gaining/maintaining social identity (masculinity) and status on the street. The dynamic of moving from victim to victimizer is clearly understood in the socio-cultural context of the street. She demonstrates the role that guns play in "empowering" adolescents to engage in conflict outside of age-specific groups.

Table of Contents

Introduction
1. Setting the Empirical Context
2. The Research Process
3. Neighborhood: An Ecology of Danger
4. Family: One Important Developmental Context
5. Peers, Social Networks, and Other Affiliations
6. Limited Opportunities: Education and Employment Experiences
7. Decision-Making in Violent Events: An Examination of Sparks and Other Motivational Factors
8. Processes and Contingencies of Violent Events
9. Violent Events and Social Identity: Specifying the Relationship between Respect and Masculinity
   
10. Discussion
    References
    Appendix
    Index