33 pages • 1 hour read
Elijah AndersonCode of the Street
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1999A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Code of the Street by Elijah Anderson analyzes the ethical and cultural dynamics in high-poverty urban areas, focusing on how systemic forces shape behavior and worldviews. Through Germantown Avenue in Philadelphia, Anderson explores "decent" and "street" families, the quest for respect, the underground economy, sexual norms, and the roles of fathers and grandmothers in the community. Topics include violence, drug addiction, and economic desperation.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Elijah Anderson's Code of the Street is widely praised for its in-depth ethnographic study of inner-city African American communities, providing valuable sociological insights. Reviews commend its compelling narrative and clear exposition of "street" and "decent" family dynamics. However, some criticize its narrow focus and occasional anecdotal generalizations.
Who Should Read Code of the Street?
Readers who are fascinated by urban sociology, street culture, and the dynamics of inner-city life will enjoy Code of the Street by Elijah Anderson. Comparable to Gang Leader for a Day by Sudhir Venkatesh and There Are No Children Here by Alex Kotlowitz, it's ideal for those seeking an in-depth, ethnographic perspective.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Sociology
Race / Racism
Trauma / Abuse / Violence
Identity: Race
Relationships: Family
Emotions/Behavior: Hope