ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the life stories of Hugh, Perry, and Lenny. All three boys, in different ways, were involved in assaultive offending. Hugh and Perry developed a "tough guy" masculinity whereas Lenny—initially defined by others as a "wimp"—restructured his conduct to present himself, likewise, as a "tough guy." Lenny grew up in a nonviolent home whereas Hugh and Perry experienced a violent and conflictual family environment. Hugh was a tall, well-built fifteen-year-old male who was full of excitement about telling the author his life story. He presented a confident and bold demeanor and seemed to enjoy discussing the various circumstances he had experienced in his short life. Perry had the physical appearance that many revere in teenage boys—he was tall, dark, and handsome. He presented a calm and cool persona, and his direct and self-assured style suggested greater sophistication than most seventeen-year-olds possess.
