Community, Neighborhood, and Peer Influence on Samoan-American Youths

This article examines the Samoan community, neighborhood, and peer groups as possible sources of risk and/or protection for delinquency among Samoan youths. Study participants include Samoan-American youths and parents living in one U.S. state. Data were collected via individual interviews of 30 Samoan adolescents, 15 of whom have been involved in the juvenile justice system. Results indicate that community involvement, neighborhood structures and practices, and peer groups may serve as sources of risk and/or protection for juvenile delinquency among these Samoan youths. A theory is proposed based on community, neighborhood, and peer group factors related to delinquency among these youths. Implications for future research and policy and practice specifically focusing on the lived experiences of Samoan-American youths in the United States are discussed.