Overall Conclusion

Abstract

Here, the author synthesises the main findings from Chap. 5 by placing them in the context of contribution to ‘on the ground action’ from youth practitioners working with Maxwell’s at-risk young men. Thus, the findings become more practical and action-oriented—providing a unique, applied edge to the book. This chapter arranges the conclusions using the framework of the research questions in the author’s original study: (1) The constructions and performances of Maxwell’s masculine identities and (2) How Maxwell’s young men understand and legitimise knife-carrying. This chapter also summarises the previous chapters’ significant findings and outlines the text’s contribution to gender, youth studies and criminological fields. Finally, this chapter describes this book’s implications for professional practice and further research into the fluidity of masculinity across public and private inner-city spaces.