Gender Dynamics of Violent Acts among Gang-Affiliated Young Adult Mexican American Men.

• In Event: Global Perspectives on Youth Gang Behaviour, Violence, and Weapon Use

Abstract

Avelardo Valdez uses concepts of hegemonic masculinity to examine gender performance in acts of violence and considers how tendencies for aggression and violence are central to masculine identity. Among this sub-population of street-oriented, disadvantaged former gang members, there are limited options to express their masculinity. As a result, engaging in personal violence becomes a means to gain social status and respect within the context of racial segregation and community disadvantage. This approach enhances our understanding of the way that cultural constructions of gender influence violent acts. This in turn is important for constructing interventions for violence.

Author

• Avelardo Valdez, University of Southern California