Understanding and preventing male youth violence. Gender transformative programming in non-formal educational settings

Youth Violence and Gender
Given its prevalence and impact, youth violence has been described as a significant public health issue. Violence is the intentional use of physical force or power that either results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, maldevelopment, or deprivation; it occurs across a range of settings, including within the home, in schools, and/or in communities. Being young and being male are two of the most persistent and credible risk factors, yet there is little agreement on why this is the case, nor how to most effectively respond. This entry explores male youth violence through a gender lens, augmenting masculinities literature with insights around criminogenic strains. Masculine strains, it is argued, can enhance our conceptualization of the root causes of male youth violence, while at the same time providing insights into potential solutions through gender-transformative programming, delivered in community-based and non-formal educational settings.