Oppositional Youth Sub-Culture and the Second Generation of Mexican Transmigrants

Addresses generational shifts in Latino communities in South Bend and the increase in oppositional youth sub-culture within second-generation Latino youth communities. Research comes from Pew Hispanic Trust data on 21st century Latino immigrants and their families. Explores reasons for the emergence of oppositional youth sub-cultures such as gangs, particularly among males. Includes interviews from members of the South Bend Latino community as well as staff and incarcerated youth at the South Bend Juvenile Correctional Facility. Findings include a resistance to education, social expectations, and an inclination toward violence and substance abuse as a result of as familial dysfunctions, high recidivism rates, poor education systems, and a variety of other structural disadvantages. Research suggests social services to provide youth with alternatives to violence and oppositional, resistant behavior.