Anti-social behaviour: voices from the front line

Abstract

Abstract This chapter determines how the constructions of ASB and the categorisations of individuals play out at local levels. It starts with a critique of contemporary political and media discourses that result in the reaffirmation of normality that can be attributed to powerful majority groups and the demonisation of ‘deviant’ groups that are categorised as ‘other’. It also describes how the witnesses of ASB constructed the causes of the problem around the characteristics of the alleged perpetrators. The chapter also examines the ‘neighbours from hell’ and reveals that these individuals shared the concerns and values of their neighbours, and were often the victims as well as perpetrators of ASB. Their behaviour can be largely attributed to personal and family vulnerability and difficult social circumstances.