Youth violence at school and the intersection of gender, race, and ethnicity

PurposeResearch has revealed that school-based activities are related to youth violence at school; however, the intersection of gender, race, and ethnicity in this relationship remains uncertain.MethodsThis study utilizes data from the Education Longitudinal Study of 2002 and incorporates multilevel modeling techniques to examine the intersectionality of gender, race, and ethnicity in the relationship between school-based activities and youth victimization at school.ResultsRacial and ethnic minority male involvement in school sports is linked to an increase in school-based victimization, while White American male involvement in school sports is associated with a decrease in school-based victimization. On the other hand, school sports appears to be an insulating factor against victimization for girls regardless of their race or ethnicity.ConclusionsThis research underscores the importance of understanding the intersection of gender, race, and ethnicity when examining youth violence.

► The intersection of gender, race, and ethnicity is significant when examining youth violence at school.
► Sports are an insulating factor against victimization for girls regardless of race/ethnicity.
► Sports are a protective for White American boys while a risk for racial/ethnic minority boys against victimization.
► Academic activity for Asian American girls is a risk factor for victimization.