More than a 'thief': De-essentializing male youth who employ destructive tactics of resilience in the informal settlements of Nairobi

Male youth in the informal settlements of Nairobi interviewed for this study understand that stealing or being perceived as having stolen makes them vulnerable to summary executions and mob justice—which ensures a short life. They also understand that many believe that youth engaged in stealing, living on the streets, and abusing substance are essentially helpless to change because they are incapable or hopeless for change because it is too late. The essentializing of these youth as “thieves,” “street boys,” or “addicts” living in the settlements described as a “living hell” distorts the identity of the youth and hides potential.;This research helps to de-essentialize simplistic caricatures of male youth in the settlements by revealing complexities which point to pathways of prosocial change. This is done through the emergence of the following categories from the data: destructive tactics of resilience (DTR), co-existent constructive tactics of resilience (CTR), powers the youth perceive have significant influence over them, inner conflict, catalysts to destructive and constructive tactics of resilience, and examples of prosocial change.;At the same time, this research shows that the fear of death was the main factor that catalyzed youth away from DTR, such as stealing. Therefore, it is unknown whether youth would be motivated to avoid some DTR if they did not fear being killed. What is known is that summary executions and mob justice deter but kill complex persons with prosocial value and potential for more.