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Hoagwood, K. (2000). Research on youth violence: Progress by replacement, not addition. Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, 8(2), 67-70.

Abstract: Media voyeurism has reduced the problem of youth violence to its simplest common denominator. Single-factor explanations abound, usually accompanied with single-digit finger pointing. Blame is laid at the feet of the gun seller, the drug dealer, the parole officer, the absent parent. To paraphrase H. L. Mencken, for every problem there is a solution, which is neat, plausible, and wrong.

Questions to Consider:

1. Discuss why social scientists believe that the characteristics of children, families, and neighborhoods associated with later antisocial behavior syndromes can be specified and that the more persistent and difficult-to-treat behavior patterns are often established early.

2. What are some positive parenting strategies to deter youth violence?

Marks, M. A., Barreto, M. A., & Woods, N. D. (2004). Race and racial attitudes a decade after the 1992 Los Angeles riots. Urban Affairs Review, 40(1),3-18.

Abstract: A decade after the 1992 Los Angeles riots, half of residents surveyed report they anticipate another riot. Pessimism concerning the prospect of future riots is associated with negative assessments of life in Los Angeles—most notably negative perceptions of racial issues in the city. Demographic attributes including income, educational attainment, and duration of residency in Los Angeles are also associated with expectations of future riots. Racial or ethnic identity, however, have no appreciable direct or mediating impact on expectations of future riots, a striking finding in light of the central place race occupies in social science research and public discourse.

Questions to Consider:

1. What are the three independent variables of the study?

2. How are negative outlooks on racial issues significantly and substantively related to pessimism concerning future riots?