NCJ Number
153175
Date Published
1995
Length
257 pages
Annotation
This book provides an indepth look into the lives of troubled youths by allowing them to speak for themselves, particularly through the use of interviews and letters; the author divides troubled youth into two categories: (1) renegade kids, identity seekers who are relatively harmless to society: and (2) suburban outlaws, nonconformist and rebellious youth who are prone to lawbreaking.
Abstract
The focus is on a commonly ignored criminal subject, the white, middle class, suburban teenager. Comments by these youths indicate their despair, anxiety, and lack of moral direction. Understanding the characteristics of at-risk youths can be beneficial in designing future strategies to prevent and control delinquent and criminal behavior. Renegade kids include mall rats, punkers, and metalers, while suburban outlaws include taggers, skinheads, stoners, and satinists. Using case studies, interviews, and surveys, the author compares clique structures and behaviors of the two groups, based on information obtained from four suburban high schools and a cross-cultural comparison of youth cultures, mainly in the Los Angeles area. He also looks at how society, including school, mental health, and juvenile justice systems and concerned citizens, can meaningfully respond to some of the trends established by at-risk youth. Further, consideration is given to processes by which some teenagers become alienated and how they come to embrace various youth cultures and delinquent identities. Finally, the author discusses the importance of appropriate parental and social responses to the needs of troubled youth. Appendixes contain a description of the author's research methodology and youth survey forms. Notes and tables