This paper explores behavior patterns of lower class black adolescents and contends that their seemingly illogical and irrational behavior is, in fact, meaningful and utilitarian within the context of their environments. The effects of social and residential segregation and the lack of stable social institutions reinforce strong feelings of group…

Findings using data from the Southern Youth Study indicate net race and sex differences in values toward family, work, education, and residence which are not due to social origins; values for those four social objects tend to significantly direct both adolescent attitude formation and early adult behavior. (Author/CM)