Newcastle Centre for Family Studies, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Correspondence: Peter McCarthy, Newcastle Centre for Family Studies, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK. E-mail: ncfs@ncl.ac.uk

¹From the song Respect, written by Otis Redding and recorded by Aretha Franklin.

Abstract

There is a long tradition of linking antisocial behaviour on the part of young people with a breakdown in respect, and the present government's pronouncements about the causes of youth crime and antisocial behaviour are continuing this tradition. This paper, however, argues that respect is a complex commodity, which is not easy to generate. Young people tend to accept that some of their number are disrespectful of their elders, but argue that they are more likely to show respect if they are accorded it themselves. Self-respect is also crucial. Government strategies are premised on a limited definition of respect and an inadequate understanding of how it is generated. They confuse respect with obedience towards authority and propose to generate respect by asserting control, but there is no evidence that this will lead to those being controlled respecting either the controllers or themselves.