This excerpt from the In Search of Love report analyses the concept of respect that arises in male-female relationships, and presents ways to possibly change this current relationship.

"In generalizing about respect/disrespect as perceived by our respondents, we see that respect can take many forms and is not bound by what mainstream or adult values might suggest. For these respondents, respect/disrespect is situational and contextual and framed by their own value system. One implication here is that interventions teach young people to 'respect themselves and each other' as a form of conflict and violence avoidance. From the way the young people describe social interactions with each other, it seems difficult for young men to show the respect expected by relational partners without sacrificing some of their own street respect. It seems as if the culture forces a zero-sum game on giving and receiving respect. A relational partner who shows respect is forcing the giver to give up some of his or her own respect. Another goal of intervention strategies could be to reframe win-win outcomes."

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