Adolescents are routinely demonised by politicians and the media. Ross Deuchar's compelling research into the views of some of the toughest - youths who are growing up in socially deprived urban areas of Glasgow in Scotland - reveals the true facts. They talked to him about their lives, gang culture and territoriality and he passes on their words and analyses what he learned from them.<BR>These 16-18 year olds, some of them asylum seekers or from ethnic minority backgrounds. have become disenfranchised by educational failure, unemployment and poverty, but there are also young people who have overcome great challenges. Deuchar shows that many resist or move quickly out of gangs, especially when there are attractive alternatives to engage them and offer them opportunities to build social capital in legitimate fields such as sport and civic participation.<BR>Here is a book written for everyone who works with young people from disadvantaged groups, whether in schools or youth organisations. It is especially relevant to academic researchers with an interest in social capital and to community educationalists and youth leaders, secondary teachers and students who are studying towards qualifications in community education and youth work. The book will also be essential reading for those concerned with community welfare: the politicians, the police, community sports development officers and youth coaches.