NCJ Number
108940
Journal
Social Problems Volume: 34 Issue: 5 Dated: (December 1987) Pages: 451-466
Date Published
1987
Length
16 pages
Annotation
Material obtained from a 2-year (1979-1981) participant observational study of New York City girl gang members examined how their structural position as poor, Puerto Rican, and female affects their self-presentation in social talk.
Abstract
Much of their sense of individuality results from their rejection of aspects of identity associated with that social position. Their self-definition is realized not through the construction of a fully integrated 'deviant' personality but through piecemeal rejection of various components of stereotypes about poor, Puerto Rican women. It is suggested that closer examination of gossip and 'put downs' can illuminate how one's identity is constructed through the vilification of others' actions and character. 1 figure and 38 references. (Author abstract modified)