This paper explores the interpretation of experiences and worldviews of young people residing in extremely deprived inner-city neighborhoods. Focus group discussions are examined in order to understand how young people residing in these poor urban neighborhoods interpret their environment and how trouble, sexual behavior, education, and the future are shaped by their experiences. Propositions derived from cultural and structural theories guide the analysis. The findings do not fully support either explanation, suggesting an alternative approach that combines mainstream and ghetto specific norms. The relevance of the findings for interventions addressing youth problems in deprived settings is discussed.