ABSTRACT
This chapter explores some of the complexities which arise in working with black young people growing up within multi-ethnic social frameworks. All youth workers mediate and negotiate within and between structures and authorities as they support individuals and groups of young people. However, those working with black young people work between distinctive and unequal cultural systems with different, and sometimes conflicting, ethics and values drawn from opposing philosophical traditions. Some of the tensions that arise are explored within the context of racism, the supremacy of Western values and the principles underpinning youth work in Britain.
