Elijah Anderson’s “code of the street” suggests that individuals that are living in areas with high crime, low incomes, drug problems, high violence, and widespread availability to guns, live according to a code of conduct that requires a threating and sometimes harmful disposition with respect at the heart to protect their territory (Halnon, 2001). Additionally, Anderson explains how the individuals in these areas demonstrate a thug or dominate attitude as a means to protect business (illicit activity, drugs), and it gives them a sense of physical security in an area they feel is restricted. (Halnon, 2001). More Specifically, the areas that Anderson is referring to are the inner cities and public housing projects. Furthermore, …show more content…
One reason is the dynamics of the neighborhoods may differ. One neighborhood may have a large population of young adults that may demonstrate more deviant activity as compared to the neighboring neighborhood that may be a more settled and made up of mid to older aged residents that did not adopt the “code of the street”. Another reason could be due to the type or amount of illegal activity that is going on in one neighborhood compared to the adjacent neighborhood. Moreover, one neighborhood could have a multiple number of gamblers or drug and gun dealers, which would draw a wide diverse of individuals in and out of the dealers’ place of residency. Furthermore, this is a draw for junkies who have a tendency to linger in areas previously noted. Whenever there is illicit activity where above average traffic, guns, drugs, and money are involved, the result is often times negative. Lastly, in comparing the overall conditions of the neighborhoods to one another could be an explanation of crime rate differences. For example, if one neighborhood is well kept and had adequate lighting at nighttime, that would reduce the strain on the residents and visitors’, and as a result, reduce and deter illegal activity. Whereas, individuals might see a neighborhood that is not well kept and dark as an opportunity to participate in criminal activity. The latter would show that possibly that community may not dedicate as much time to the wellness of the community. This relates to the “code of the street” in that the individuals that live by