Intergenerational Transmission of Conduct Norms for Drugs, Sexual Exploitation and Violence: A Case Study

Abstract

This paper examines growing up in severely‐distressed households typical of many in inner‐city New York where drug abuse, sexual exploitation, and violence are the norm. The continual assault on young girls often leads to mortification of self, characterized by acceptance of their situation and socialization to these behaviors in adulthood. A case study of four generations of women show that they often recapitulate the prevailing conduct norms and replicate them in the next generation. Programs are clearly needed to help ameliorate conditions in many such inner‐city households, establish healthier behavioral norms, and help young girls grow into more constructive adult lifestyles.