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Contextualizing negative sense of community and disconnection among urban youth of color: “Community…We ain't got that”
Author(s) -
Lardier David T.,
Barrios Veronica R.,
Forenza Brad,
Herr Kathryn G.,
Bergeson Carrie,
Suazo Catherine Michelle,
GarciaReid Pauline,
Reid Robert J.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of community psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.585
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1520-6629
pISSN - 0090-4392
DOI - 10.1002/jcop.22298
Subject(s) - disconnection , social connectedness , sense of community , perception , feeling , unpacking , psychology , belongingness , social psychology , face (sociological concept) , focus group , sociology , political science , social science , philosophy , linguistics , neuroscience , anthropology , law
We explore the experiences of urban youth of color, as well as perceptions, of feeling disconnected and having an overall negative sense of community (SOC). Drawing on data from 11 focus groups, youth ( N = 59) describe their communities and lived experiences. We document several themes put forward through the lens of SOC and community connection that highlight perceived lack of membership, needs fulfillment, influence, and overall emotional connection to their community. Unpacking youth's perceptions of their community, we suggest that—in the face of such realities—community‐based organizations, such as those the youth find themselves in, aid in creating connectedness and help heal youth from the effects of social conditions experienced daily.