The discussion notes that the goals of adolescent violence are also specific to the social contexts in which the adolescent violence occurs. This perspective makes possible explanations that sort out the effect of immediate factors, including the presence of bystanders, intoxicants, or firearms, from the more distant influences of social psychological factors that predispose individuals toward more violent responses. These event-based approaches are theories of action that describe the dynamics of a human interaction and account for both motivation and decision making within events. Four types of violence common during childhood and adolescence in the inner city demonstrate intentionality, purposefulness, and goal orientation. These types of violence are the rough and tumble play that represents childhood aggression, gang violence, robbery, and dating violence. Five goals important to adolescents that may result in violent acts include: (1) impression management to achieve and maintain high status; (2) materialism, status, and social identity; (3) power; (4) rough justice, social control, and self-help; and (5) defiance of authority. Risk taking is another function that provides intrinsic returns. The pathways to violence for females often differ from male pathways. Mediating influences such as bystanders and alcohol can influence the individual’s decision making. In addition, the personal disputes that can result in violence contain their own processes or dynamics that affect the outcome. Notes and 139 references (Author abstract Modified)