• About this study

The August riots in England

Understanding the involvement of young people

About the study

NatCen was commissioned by the Cabinet Office to conduct an independent study into the motivations of young people involved in or affected by the riots - the report is the first, and currently only, major study to be based on what young people themselves have to say.

The report focuses on the motivations of young people in five areas affected by the riots, and two areas which were not affected by the riots.  It analyses how young people's motivations were shaped by a dramatic and unfamiliar set of circumstances. Whilst examining the background to the riots, the report retains a clear focus on the moral and practical decisions made by different people.

The study was delivered by an experienced team of qualitative researchers at NatCen who conducted interviews and focus groups with young people, business owners, youth workers and community leaders in affected and non-affected areas, speaking both to those directly involved and those who chose not to be.

The evidence-based analysis provides Cabinet Office, wider government departments and the Independent Riots Communities and Victims Panel, with a deeper understanding of the contributing factors for the sequence of events which took place this summer.

To read the full report click here.

To read the summary click here.

Methods

The following methods were used in the conduct of this study:

In depth interviews and small discussions groups with young people in 5 areas of the country that were affected by the riots

In depth interviews with young people in prisons who have been convicted of offences related to the riots

Discussion groups with young people in 2 areas of the country unaffected by the riots

Discussion groups with community stakeholders and local residents.

All the interviews were entirely confidential.

Researchers

 Gareth Morrell

Download full report

 

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