A Situational Analysis of Dating Violence among Mexican American Females Associated with Street Gangs

Abstract This study focuses on situational processes associated with dating partner violence among adolescent Mexican American females in an economically disadvantaged community. Using qualitative data generated from a specific question in a life history instrument, the questionnaire was administered to 150 high-risk Mexican American gang-affiliated female respondents (ages 147–18). To generate the analysis, the data were coded using the constructs of precursor, instigation, and violent confrontation. Identified as the precursors of these confrontations were jealousy, control and disrespect. The findings demonstrate how situational processes in dating violence are framed by gender and social structural inequality. These micro-level processes are important in that they suggest mechanisms and properties that can contribute to a more nuanced understanding of violence as it relates to the situational context and individual behavior.