Joblessness and Hopelessness

Abstract This study investigated the responses of African American youth to the police beating of Rodney King, the trial, and the subsequent civil disorders in South Central Los Angeles. Employing a qualitative-quantitative research design, the authors conducted semi-structured interviews with 17 focus groups (n = 144) and 32 youth, ages 15-30, recruited through a “snowball” sample. The total sample included 58% males and 42% females with a mean age of 19.3 years. Participants identified five major employment-related concerns: (1) lack of jobs, (2) employer discrimination, (3) few jobs with good wages and benefits, (4) employer preference for African American females, and (5) lack of job training programs. Pervasive feelings of hopelessness, anger, and alienation were associated with high rates of unemployment and lack of economic development in the community. Implications for social work practice and community mental health interventions are discussed.