Crumbling Ethnic Barriers in Juvenile Peer Networks and Their Relevance for Violent Delinquency

Abstract

This paper addresses the relevance of crumbling ethnic barriers for delinquency among male youths in disadvantaged neighborhoods. The research is based on the assumption that this heterogenization has an impact on the choice of enemies and victims, which has previously tended to have ethnic connotations. For this purpose, we examined the data from a qualitative study containing 45 interviews with youths aged between 15 and 18. The findings demonstrate not only the largely ethnic heterogeneity of the peer network of juveniles but also the diminished meaning of ethnic origin for the choice of enemies and victims. Moreover, this paper shows the alternative ways in which youths with a high propensity for violence choose their adversaries in the fight for recognition.