New study is examining the motives of young people involved in the UK riots

August 2011

NatCen has recently begun an in depth rapid research project, commissioned by the Cabinet Office, with young people who were involved in or affected by the August riots in England. The research is already well underway in five of the affected areas and is due to report in October.  

NatCen's researchers are in Tottenham, Peckham and Clapham in London as well as Salford and Birmingham. They will also visit two areas unaffected by the riots in an attempt to understand why they didn't occur in those places.

Decision makers urgently need clear, independent evidence on what happened and the motivations behind it.

The study will:

  • Set out the views of young people involved in or affected by the riots
  • Gather the views of young people from areas where riots didn't take place
  • Collect the views of residents, parents, business owners and community leaders on what they think led to the riots and why young people became involved

NatCen is Britain's leading independent social research organisation and has no political affiliation. We have been conducting research with the British public for over 40 years.  We have conducted studies with young people on a wide range of topics, often on the most sensitive issues in today's society. All of the young people who take part in this study will do so in complete confidence and anonymity.

Penny Young, Chief Executive of NatCen said:

"The riots in English cities in August shocked the nation. Our research which is now underway will bring experiences and views direct to senior policy makers."

ENDS