Black barbershops and guardianship: A mixed methods investigation on the role of barbershops and community

Abstract

ABSTRACT Barbershops have historically been characterized as a safe space for males across communities, especially in traditionally disadvantaged and specifically African American communities. The study explores barbershops’ role in community guardianship and as a mechanism for crime prevention. Using a mixed-methods approach, we gathered data from public repositories and conducted semi-structured interviews utilizing a sample of owners, managers, and barbers of predominantly African American barbershops in Norfolk, Virginia. Results give insight into how community institutions combat and address communal and social-cultural issues within the community—providing havens of social control and crime reduction. Research suggests a need to further study and conceptualize barbershops and other communal institutions as crime reduction and prevention entities. Additionally, findings support an increase in resources allocated to marginalized areas, so institutions such as barbershops can continue to promote initiatives tailored to their community, reducing deviance and crime.