Code of the Street

Considering Anderson’s definition of “decent” and “street” families, what are the main contributing factors in determining how a family is categorized? Provide direct evidence from the text to support your response.

According to Anderson, what is the role of respect in the code of the street? How does respect in this context differ from other forms of respect? Support your response with direct quotes from the text.

Throughout the book, Anderson emphasizes that family relationships in the inner city are often characterized by complex dynamics. Using three or four key examples from the text, identify how these relationships shape the code of the street.

Discuss how the hopelessness of poverty plays a role in forming personal identity, citing direct examples from the text to support your response.

Compare and contrast how Anderson describes the roles of both fathers and mothers. Support your response with direct quotes from the text.

How do stereotypes perpetuate the problems Anderson identifies within the code of the street? Does Anderson identify solutions and strategies for combating these stereotypes? Provide direct evidence from the text to support your response.

Discuss the relationship between violence and respect as Anderson presents it throughout the book.

In Chapters 5 and 6, Anderson highlights the role of the “decent daddy” and the “inner-city grandmother.” How does each of these figures contribute to personal development among inner-city youths? Support your response with direct quotes from the text.