The first study describes the many similarities between the American and British disorders, although important differences existed relating to racial composition and economic situation. In both countries, riots were sparked by relatively minor incidents, followed the same timing patterns, and were based on perceived grievances involving police practices, housing, and unemployment. A review of theories on riot causes, the Kerner Commission's report, and subsequent events in the United States concludes that rioting is a matter of political consciousness and only tenuously related to material deprivation. Also addressed are short-term control and prevention tactics, the media's role, and future British policies regarding police practices and racial discrimination. The second paper examines the Handsworth disorders from the viewpoint of the area's young male residents, based on interviews with 532 males between 16 and 34 conducted in October-November 1981. Many respondents witnessed the troubles, but only 4 percent reported active participation in the rioting. The sample group generally disapproved of the events, and most felt that unemployment and boredom were the major causes of rioting. Only a few blamed racial discrimination and police harassment. This study's findings suggest that those involved in the Birmingham riots had less community support than rioters in the United States. Both papers include references. For individual articles, see NCJ 84134-5.