logo

33 pages 1 hour read

Code of the Street

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1999

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Elijah Anderson

Code of the Street

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1999
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • 1990s

Theme
Publication Year

1999

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Code of the Street by Elijah Anderson analyzes the ethical and cultural dynamics in high-poverty urban areas, focusing on how systemic forces shape behavior and worldviews. Through Germantown Avenue in Philadelphia, Anderson explores "decent" and "street" families, the quest for respect, the underground economy, sexual norms, and the roles of fathers and grandmothers in the community. Topics include violence, drug addiction, and economic desperation.

Gritty

Mysterious

Unnerving

Challenging

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.2

2,079 ratings

70%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Elijah Anderson's Code of the Street is widely praised for its in-depth ethnographic study of inner-city African American communities, providing valuable sociological insights. Reviews commend its compelling narrative and clear exposition of "street" and "decent" family dynamics. However, some criticize its narrow focus and occasional anecdotal generalizations.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Code of the Street?

Readers who are fascinated by urban sociology, street culture, and the dynamics of inner-city life will enjoy Code of the Street by Elijah Anderson. Comparable to Gang Leader for a Day by Sudhir Venkatesh and There Are No Children Here by Alex Kotlowitz, it's ideal for those seeking an in-depth, ethnographic perspective.

4.2

2,079 ratings

70%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • 1990s

Theme
Publication Year

1999

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.