NCJ Number
190044
Date Published
1999
Length
48 pages
Annotation
This report -- one of six that presented findings of a study of "ethnic youth gangs" in the Melbourne (Australia) metropolitan area over the period 1996-98 -- focused on Pacific Islander youth.
Abstract
Study methods included a review of relevant literature, the collection of existing relevant information and statistical data, interviews with 20 youth across 5 different areas of Melbourne (total of 100 youth) that had a high incidence of ethnic youth gang activity, interviews with 20 youth with an Pacific Islander background, and the use of youth and community workers to contact youth and conduct the interviews. The 20 Pacific-Islander youth interviewed came from households where one or more of their parents was in paid employment, but only a few of the youth were themselves employed. Most reported relying on government benefits of some kind. The youth associated with groups whose members had common ethnic and cultural attributes. A number of the youth remarked on the centrality of ethnicity in group association. The youth tended to distinguish between "groups" and "gangs" by defining gangs as those groups of youth who engaged regularly in illegal activities and violence. Group and gang conflicts were viewed as often related to ethnic differences. Study recommendations pertained to education in cross-cultural issues, anti-racist education, youth reconciliation projects, conflict resolution and anti-violence strategies, special programs for violent and gang-related youth, youth employment services, income support, and police management of public spaces. 10 tables and 50 references