NCJ Number
149322
Date Published
1975
Length
147 pages
Annotation
The social outcomes of former gang members was studied.
Abstract
Interviews and informal observations were conducted among 39 former members of the Dons, a previously observed delinquent street corner group, 6 years after the break-up of the group. Three propositions were tested: 1) the amount of participation in a delinquent street corner group is directly related to poor social adjustment as an adult; 2) the amount of participation can differentially produce poor adult social adjustment depending upon when in life and with whom it occurs; and 3) the amount of participation is not important, but the presence of means of social placement as an adult, other than individual preparation for occupational roles, is effective. Among the Dons, those who were heavily involved with the gang and who lacked an upwardly mobile family influence showed an impeded or delayed integration into adulthood--marked by continued delinquency, and reliance on family and friends to find them employment. The lack of family influences on delinquency and on post-break- up association with former gangmates is significant because these two factors predicted arrests. Secondary aspects of parochialism--neighborhood ties--were found to be related to delinquency. 26 tables, 39 references