New report finds territoriality is placing constraints on young people

14 October 2008

Research published today (14 October) found that young people in many of Britain’s cities are involved in territorial behaviour – often with damaging consequences. It can lead to their involvement in violent behaviour, make them fearful and restrict their freedom of movement. In some cases it may be a route to involvement in organised gangs and serious forms of crime.

The research, Young people and territoriality in British cities, was conducted by a team from the University of Glasgow and looked at the nature and impact of territorial behaviour – that is where people identify strongly with their home area, and attempt to control it and defend it against outsiders. Territoriality in young people was viewed by many as a cultural expectation, passed down from older generations, and it often had deep historical roots.

Keith Kintrea, lead researcher, said: "We discovered territorial behaviour among young people in a wide range of disadvantaged areas in cities across England and Scotland. Young people often had positive motivations for becoming involved, such as developing their identity and friendships. But strong territorial identities frequently led to violent conflict with territorial groups from other areas."

The negative impact of territorial behaviour manifests itself in various ways. The invisible geographical barriers it creates can lead to problems with access to education, leisure and relationships. The conflict it often gives rise to can lead to the risk of violent assault and criminalisation.

The negative aspects were felt most heavily by teenage boys and young men who had an active involvement in territorial conflict. However, other young people who lived in the same areas who were not involved in conflict also experienced restrictions on their movements.

The research found that there were many potentially useful community projects across Britain, designed to challenge territoriality and create alternative opportunities for young people offering them positive ways of affirming themselves other than on the streets. Projects included activities such as sport, education, and conflict resolution schemes. The report recommends that these projects are evaluated in more depth so that good practice can be replicated.

The research team propose that policy-makers should be more aware of territoriality. Keith Kintrea concluded: "Territoriality should be a significant consideration when designing policies and programmes relating to the social exclusion of young people, community safety and neighbourhoods."

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