Making and Unmaking the Young ‘Shotta’ [Shooter]: Boundaries and (Counter) – Actions in the ‘Garrisons’

Violence is widespread in certain communities in Jamaica and it now affects groups that were once considered ‘off-limits’, including children. This Research Summary highlights how Working Paper 297 explores the reality of life in two such ‘garrison’ communities through frank and shocking interviews. The stories demonstrate the importance of social conditioning, prejudice and expectations, how inequalities accentuate each other, and the complex non-violent and violent methods which are used by groups and individuals as they try to build alternative lives.