Rough Justice

Abstract

This article explores the conflict management styles of homeless male street youth and young males from the general population. Findings indicate that street youths are more likely to demand reparation from people they perceive have harmed them and are more willing to use aggression to settle disputes. They also hold subcultural values that leave them more likely to become upset and use aggression in disputes. These youth are less influenced by conflict intensity when compared to males from the general population and are more sensitive to attacks by equals. In contrast, the behavior of young males from the general population is not predicted by cultural values that support violence. Instead, males from the general population require intense conflict before they become upset, demand reparation, and use aggression to settle disputes. Findings are discussed in terms of the expectations that actors in different structural locations bring to social interactions.