Young Men, Masculinity, and States of Emergency in the Caribbean

• Caribbean states of emergency (SoE) often lead to increased policing and expanded detention powers in vulnerable communities.
• Young men are disproportionately affected by both violent crime and state enforcement interventions.
• Masculinity norms—centered on provision and authority—interact with structural economic exclusion to influence how young men perceive the state.
• Sustainable violence reduction requires combining enforcement with social programs that address poverty and lack of opportunity.

Structural Insecurity

• Regional development research, including UNDP reports like "No Time to Quit," highlights the marginalization of young males.
• Structural barriers, such as high youth unemployment and weak economic growth noted by the IMF, limit social mobility.
• When legitimate avenues for status and provision are blocked, young men may turn to higher-risk or illegal pathways.

Policing and Social Dynamics

• Enhanced security measures frequently target socioeconomically vulnerable neighborhoods, making enforcement the primary interaction these young men have with the state.
• Repeated exposure to policing can foster mistrust and alter perceptions of state legitimacy.
• Similar trends are observed in Jamaica and Brazil, where policing in marginalized areas often perpetuates cycles of friction between youth and state institutions.

Development and Policy Implications

• The efficacy of an SoE is often judged solely on short-term crime reduction, ignoring long-term social impacts.
• Successful models, such as those in Medellín, Colombia, integrate security interventions with investments in education, infrastructure, and social programs.
• Countries like Guyana and Barbados are exploring mentorship and skills development as alternatives or supplements to traditional policing to foster inclusion and safety.