Perceptions of antisocial behaviour and negative attitudes towards young people: focus group evidence from adult residents of disadvantaged urban neighbourhoods (Glasgow, UK)

Abstract

This qualitative study explores claims that concern about antisocial behaviour (ASB) may be linked to generally negative attitudes towards young people. The study uses focus groups, sampling adults living in disadvantaged urban neighbourhoods (Glasgow, UK). We found some evidence of negative attitudes, in the form of generalised negative stereotyping of young people, but not of a 'general climate of intolerance'. During the focus group discussions, the kinds of comments made about young people ranged from strongly pejorative to sympathetic and empathetic. On the whole, the discussions tended to emphasise the heterogeneity of young people and their behaviours, suggesting that many local young people were not perceived to be perpetrators of ASB. The findings indicate that although adult residents of disadvantaged urban neighbourhoods perceive young people's ASB to be a serious issue, they assume that such behaviours occur in the context of poor environments, poor parenting and poor adult behaviour.

Can training interventions in entrepreneurship, beekeeping, and health change the mind-set of vulnerable young adults toward self-employment? A qualitative study from urban Tanzania

“…Recognition in the community is a reflection of community perception about young adults who are vulnerable due to poor parenting and/or poor adult behaviour [37]. Entrepreneurship and beekeeping training intervention facilitated recognition of these vulnerable young adults as potential people who can work productively to help themselves and their families.…”

Breaking Down Barriers with the Usual Suspects: Findings from a Research-informed Intervention with Police, Young People and Residents in the West of Scotland

“…However, although research has illustrated the way in which young people are often demonized (Deuchar, 2009; Egan et al, 2013), Neary et al (2013) also illustrate the way in which young people can also use visual cues to negatively stereotype adults. Further, a substantial body of work has illustrated the way in which relationships between young people and the police are often fraught with mutual distrust and stereotyping (Bowling and Phillips, 2007; Crawford, 2009; Loader, 1996; McAra and McVie, 2005; Sharp and Atherton, 2007).…”

“…Within the UK, criticism has been directed at politicians and the general public for negatively stereotyping young people as anti-social (Egan et al, 2013). Under the Labour leadership of Tony Blair between 1997 and 2007, an emphasis was placed on creating a 'moral discourse' focused on drawing attention to perceptions of youth disorder and the need to enforce new standards of behaviour (Burney, 2009;Millie, 2009Millie, , 2010.…”

Perceived neighborhood ethnic diversity and social outcomes: Context-dependent effects within a postindustrial city undergoing regeneration

“…Time has passed since non-Scottish residents first arrived in these areas, and initial problems regarding conflict and harassment have been largely overcome, so that perceived diversity can now be associated with safety, particularly given residents’ knowledge of the past. It is also relevant that many residents in the regeneration areas had previously reported concerns about high levels of antisocial behavior, mainly perpetrated by White Scottish residents (Egan, Neary, Keenan, & Bond, 2013), so that in this context growing ethnic diversity may be seen as a dilution of this issue.…”