A hierarchy of respect : Authority and dominance in the human and animal kingdom

Purpose – Interviews two black minority ethnic (BME) male youths who were raised in high knife and gun-crime areas of London. Design/methodology/approach – Considers whether feral youth behavior might have something to do with British youths’ need for respect. Findings – Quotes one of the youths as saying it is disrespectful to enter their territory without permission. Practical implications – Quotes the other as saying that BME male youths do not get respect from the British police, the politicians or the society and so do not have a voice. Social implications – Considers that society might therefore benefit from changing its attitude to BME youth. Originality/value – Contains the views of two BME young people who were prepared to be named in an interview that would provide them with the opportunity to air their views without criticism.