[West Ender]

First of all, the name Chav is just another label to describe youngsters (and some not so young) who have a certain "look". It'll be replaced with something else in a few years.

Do they behave worse than previous generations? Yes they do but, in my opinion, for one main reason. In the 50s, 60s, even the 70s there were men in black uniforms walking around the streets keeping watch out for trouble-makers. They were called policemen. Kids didn't hang around in one spot causing trouble because they got caught. Now it's rare for anyone in authority, and with back-up, to be around so Trouble is much easier to get away with.