In chapter four, Alice Goffman analyzes how ones legal troubles are turned into personal resources to be used for one’s own gain. She describes how many young men find themselves using jail as safe havens from violent conflict back home. Normally, young men on 6th street find themselves running away from anyone resembling a police office, but do the direct opposite after a dice game turns into an upright neighborhood war. “I watched the remaining members of the 6th street boy gang get taken into custody… for quite minor probations and parole violations, or for bench warrants for not showing up in court…” (pg. 93). The author describes how the boys of the 6th street would manipulate their legal entanglements to then be taken into custody by police to avoid dealing with violent threats from other groups of boys of surrounding blocks.
Goffman continues to elaborate on the fact that these boys were …show more content…
Once a boy from 6th street has been processed in the juvenile system, they will likely spend the rest of their lives in youth detentions or adult facilities. Since, most of the boys’ time will be spent locked up, it is key events such as bail hearings and trial dates that a boy will formally see all the important people of his life together at one location. The author claims that it is at these public proceedings where “the members of a man’s social circle deduce where they stand in his life and where he stands in the eyes of those around him”. It is only during a man’s judicial dates, will he be able to experience such an important events. However, these meetings with his social circle, doesn’t always remain peaceful. For many, these court dates are the location where a women discovers her man’s mistress and uses this time to compete for his affection. Goffman highlights the effects criminalization can have on the social lives of these men from a young
Goffman continues to elaborate on the fact that these boys were …show more content…
Once a boy from 6th street has been processed in the juvenile system, they will likely spend the rest of their lives in youth detentions or adult facilities. Since, most of the boys’ time will be spent locked up, it is key events such as bail hearings and trial dates that a boy will formally see all the important people of his life together at one location. The author claims that it is at these public proceedings where “the members of a man’s social circle deduce where they stand in his life and where he stands in the eyes of those around him”. It is only during a man’s judicial dates, will he be able to experience such an important events. However, these meetings with his social circle, doesn’t always remain peaceful. For many, these court dates are the location where a women discovers her man’s mistress and uses this time to compete for his affection. Goffman highlights the effects criminalization can have on the social lives of these men from a young