49 pages • 1 hour read
Philippe BourgoisIn Search of Respect: Selling Crack in El Barrio
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1995A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Search of Respect: Selling Crack in El Barrio by Philippe Bourgois is an ethnographic study focusing on East Harlem's underground economy, where Bourgois befriends local drug dealers to understand the impact of systemic racism and social marginalization on their lives. Through their stories, he explores themes of respect, self-worth, and the harsh reality of poverty, proposing changes to societal and political attitudes to address these issues effectively. The book discusses themes that may be triggering for some readers, such as drug use and violence.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Philippe Bourgois' In Search of Respect earns praise for its compelling ethnographic study of New York's inner-city communities, offering deep insights into systemic poverty and drug culture. The narrative's raw, honest portrayal is both a strength and a drawback, as some find it unsettling. The detailed, empathetic approach, however, elevates it as a powerful academic resource.
Who Should Read In Search of Respect?
In Search of Respect by Philippe Bourgois will captivate readers interested in urban anthropology, social justice, and life within marginalized communities. Comparable to those who appreciated The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman or There Are No Children Here by Alex Kotlowitz.