Depraved or deprived: What lies behind these riots, and why aren't they happening in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

[Solopower]

I've been reading the threads on the riots and I wondered if we needed one on the causes.

People's ideas seem to range from thinking the rioters are just opportunistic criminals to socially and culturally disadvantaged youngsters.

But why isn't there any rioting in Scotland, for example, where there are pockets of extreme social deprivation?

Zoe Williams' article on the psychology of looting is worth reading, imo:
www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/aug/09/uk-riots-psychology-of-looting?CMP=twt_gu

Yes, what Tajfel says is interesting. From a brief reading on wikipedia, I would say that he underestimates the rationality of siding with an in-group, and overemphasises the self-esteem aspect. I think that different groups are in real conflict for power and control, and that individuals often side with one group or another as a means of protection against another group. For example, the gangs on these estates are territorial and young gang members join their local gang for protection against rival gangs. Similarly in the Kosovo war, which side you were on was determined for you, and your survival might depend on it. Some families were torn in two as different sides of the family had to identify with their own group. Even George Bush asked countries whose side they were on, "are you with us or against us?"

There is also rational advantage, choosing the strongest side and the one that is most likely to win. That's why Manchester United has so many football fans.