Violence Against the Young: The New Urban Challenges

Abstract

This article examines the recent deaths of Chicago Public School students. It focuses on the school year between September 2006 and June 2007. At least 30 individuals were killed during that interval. In this school year, the homicides continue at about the same pace. Although violence within the schools had declined and violence (including homicides) was at a lower rate for the city of Chicago, some communities remained vulnerable to this threat. Neighborhood characteristics seem to be contributing factors, but family dynamics and an individual's life style comes into play. The person in the environment that we draw upon in social work has limitations, given new urban problems.

KEYWORDS:

• Community disorganization
• community violence
• response to community crisis

Notes

^aPlease observe that the percentage of high school graduates increased dramatically, but the levels of severe poverty stayed the same or got worst. The Chicago Panel on Public School Finances studied the financial implications for society of high school dropouts, many of whom have grown up in or end up in the underclass. Of 29,815 members of the class of 1982 in the Chicago public high schools, 12,616 dropped out before graduation—42%. The annual costs to society of these 12,616 dropouts alone were $7.3 in lost taxes, $50.5 million in welfare payments, and $1.6 million in crime cost. In addition, the dropouts could expect to earn $51 million less a year than if they had stayed in school. Looking back, we see that the increase of those with the schooling did not result in increased economic well-being.