‘Fears of the fearless’

Based on a qualitative study of the fear of crime, this article examines the fears and anxieties of a group of young men who regularly engaged in violence. The article explains how the fears and anxieties related to the masculine identities and daily lives of the young men and implications for their feelings of safety and behaviour. The article also documents the inherent contradictions within the masculine identities and suggests that the fears and anxieties were a driving factor behind the violence discussed. The article concludes that the fears warrant further attention by researchers so that policy responses to violence may be better informed.