Analysis Of Code Of The Street By Elijah Anderson

Elijah Anderson determined that there was a “Code of the Street.” This code exists in poor inner cities where the community creates their own “code” to survive. The community lacks opportunity, education, and their foundation is built on respect (Halnon, 2001). Anderson address how these poor communities are made up mostly of African Americans who tend to reject the expectations of white society. However, this is not always the case. Some parents will teach their children to abide by the law and authority, only to “code switch” when they are on the streets with their friends in order to survive (Halnon, 2001). Often times, in these conditions, crime and violence is a common occurrence. A black neighborhood can sit next to a white neighborhood

The first factor is the lack of economic opportunity in the poor inner city leading to a lack of education. The second factor is the social realm is different, the community in the inner city has the mentality that it is them against the world or white person. Meaning that they must have respect for one another and stick together. The third factor that would affect crime rates between adjoining neighborhoods is politically the inner cities lack standing (Halnon, 2001). All of these factors help to create the “Code of the Street.” The first factor that can influence crime in adjoining neighborhoods is economic opportunity. Authors Drummond, Bolland and Harris talk about how socially structured neighborhoods lean on parental networks, law enforcement and order (2011). With this type of structure often positive reinforcements come with teaching conflict resolution which decreases violence. This structure does not exist in

Socially the two worlds can be very different. This means that perhaps a white neighborhood who has economic opportunity would have networks that influence and help a person get a job. They are upstanding citizens who abide by the law. This is the social structure that they follow. With this structure comes little violence as well as safety and that pattern holds steady and crime rates continue to stay low. However, in cities where this is not the social scene, violence is active and occurring. Once violence is a part of someone’s daily life respect and family reputation become important (Matsuda, Melde, Taylor, Freng, & Esbensen, 2013). Gangs become a sense of security and a mindset of toughness and revenge become normal. In the social realm of gangs and violence, a community would create their own “Code” like Anderson talks about. They create their own rules, morals and expectations that are reinforced by gang group members (Matsuda et al. 2013). When boundaries are crossed or someone steps out of line, violence is used to correct the situation (Matsuda el al. 2013). Police are not respected in these neighborhoods which is socially unacceptable in white neighborhoods. This leads to the factor, political insecurity and the lack of help inner city neighborhoods