The "hustle": socioeconomic deprivation, urban drug trafficking, and low-income, African-American male gender identity.
OBJECTIVE
Drug trafficking seems to be both prevalent and associated with considerable morbidity and mortality among inner-city African-American males. Survey data has indicated the possible importance of economic need in the rapid emergence of drug trafficking in this population. In the present study, an historical-cultural approach is used to examine this economic relationship further and to explore the role that drug trafficking plays in a society that has permitted its successful and rapid growth.


METHODS
Data were obtained from interviews of approximately 600 African-Americans residing in inner-city neighborhoods in Washington, DC and Baltimore during nine drug- and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related studies conducted over 4 years.


CONCLUSIONS
From the perspective of the study participants, the need to provide economic support for one's family as well as to achieve some sense of status, respect, and reputation among one's peers are two core constructs of masculine identity in the United States. The historical and worsening inequities in access to economic resources and power by African-American males are viewed as significantly reducing the opportunity for economic success through more social or legal enterprises. Pursuit of nonmainstream activities (such as drug trafficking) is perceived as offering an opportunity for economic advancement and for establishing a power base for individuals who have been denied access to mainstream opportunities.
Whitehead
T L
TL
Department of Anthropology, University of Maryland College Park.
Peterson
J
J
Kaljee
L
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000208:ethnology; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D015142:Baltimore; D002648:Child; D004219:District of Columbia; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011203:Poverty / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D011610:Psychosocial Deprivation; D012923:Social Class; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014504:Urban Health
D013287:Illicit Drugs