This study examined the relationship between violence and immigration. The importance of neighborhood context, including alcohol availability, was also investigated. Using data from block groups, these relationships were examined in three California communities with significant immigrant populations. Data on socioeconomic characteristics were combined with police data concerning youth and data on alcohol availability. These data were geocoded in a block group, and population-based rates were calculated. A specialized regression package was used to examine these relationships. Results indicated that immigration and youth violence were not related, but that violence was predicted by alcohol availability. Contextual factors such as family breakdown and professional role models were also found to be significant predictors of youth violence. Furthermore, the context of violence is important in understanding why violence varies within communities. Violence prevention efforts may benefit from regulatory efforts to reduce the high concentrations of alcohol outlets that exist in Latino neighborhoods.

Observed differences in outlet utilization patterns between age, gender and ethnic subgroups imply that preventive interventions should take into account the manner in which these subpopulations make use of drinking venues.

This paper examines targeted alcohol advertising in three ethnic communities: African Americans, Latinos, and Native Americans in the U.S. We focus on the appropriation of cultural systems and the reinvention of them as commodities to consumers. We outline the specific strategies used in each ethnic community. For African Americans, there is an emphasis on selling malt liquor to young adults through the use of "power" and gang-related images. For Latinos, there is an appropriation of historical and cultural symbols such as the national flags and maps of Mexico and Central America. Native Americans have coalesced to keep the image of a chief and warrior, Crazy Horse, from being used to market malt liquor. Each of the ethnic groups is engaged in action to prevent alcohol-related problems in their communities. Generating and implementing solutions is a universal social responsibility.

Studies of drinking patterns and related problems need to consider these factors.

Alcohol use in farmworker communities has not been investigated to any extent. The literature on alcohol consumption and farmworkers is virtually nonexistent. This case study provides information on drinking patterns and problems in a Mexican farmworker community in Northern California. The focus is on Mexican farmworker women's perspectives on drinking in a specific social context: A migrant farmworker housing center. Male responses are provided as a basis for comparison and contrast. The study examines issues related to driving under the influence, public versus private space, and the centrality of considerations regarding children/youth in setting acceptable parameters for drinking. Data collection consisted of observations and 29 interviews of men (13) and women (16) farmworkers over a 6-month period in 1991. We found that most of the women in the camp abstain from drinking. They define male drinking as a problem when 1) youth are allowed and encouraged to drink, 2) an increase of individuals driving under the influence in the housing center becomes evident, and 3) when drinkers serve as poor role models for youth.