Study Reveals "No Violence" Perception Among Atlanta's Wealthy Suburban Teen Drug Dealers

A recent social media post by Helen Andrews has drawn attention to a book detailing the surprising realities of teen drug dealing in affluent Atlanta suburbs, where dealers report a stark absence of violence. Andrews' tweet highlighted a specific quote from the book, "When we asked the dealers whether they had experienced violence of any kind, many of them simply laughed and said no. ‘It doesn’t really come about in a city like this and the people we’re dealing with.’" This observation challenges conventional perceptions of drug markets.

The book referenced is "Code of the Suburb: Inside the World of Young Middle-Class Drug Dealers" by Scott Jacques and Richard Wright, both criminologists at Georgia State University. Published by the University of Chicago Press, the ethnography delves into the lives of approximately 30 young drug dealers in a wealthy Atlanta suburb. Their research aims to provide a counterpoint to the prevalent focus on urban drug crime.

A key finding from Jacques and Wright's study is the significant difference in the experience of violence. Unlike the high-risk environments often depicted in urban drug narratives, suburban dealers in this context perceive their operations as largely free from physical altercations or threats. This perceived safety is attributed to the social dynamics and clientele within their affluent community.

The authors suggest that suburban drug dealing is often driven by a "pursuit of coolness" and social status, with teens initially using drugs and then transitioning to dealing to support their habits or gain extra money. The book also details a unique "code" governing relationships among buyers, sellers, and even local authorities. This informal system contributes to the mitigated risks faced by these predominantly white, middle-class dealers.

"Code of the Suburb" offers a valuable contribution to criminology by expanding the understanding of drug markets beyond traditional urban settings. It underscores how socio-economic factors and community structures can profoundly shape the nature and consequences of illicit activities, revealing a stark contrast in the experiences of drug dealers based on their environment. The study highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to drug policy and intervention.