The author used an ethnographic study involving observation and engagement with local youth to explore the "road culture" and concept of "badness" among black youth in an East London neighborhood. The author spent time with youth in various community settings to gain an in-depth understanding from their perspective of what it means to grow up in a socially and economically deprived area surrounded by this dominant subculture. He chose a qualitative approach through ethnography to fully understand the experiences of the subject group.

1. Growing up bad: Black youth, ‘road’
culture and badness in an East
London neighbourhood

2. Questions
• What were the methods used by the author to
explore ‘‘road’ culture and badness in East
London neighbourhood’?
• What reasons did the author give to use this
qualitative approach?
• What do you think are the advantages of this
approach to look at road culture?

3. Gunter’s ethnographic study
Gunter used an ethnographic study to explore in depth
the experience of a black youth growing up in socially
and economically deprived area surrounded by the
dominant ‘badness’ subculture.
His research therefore, consisted of observation and
engagement in activities such as (the youth club, on the
streets, in pubs, clubs etc.).

4. Gunter’s reason
Gunter has chosen to conduct a qualitative research
because it enables him to fully understand from the
perspective of the subject of his study.