Exploratory Analysis of Swedish Street Gangs: Applying the Maxson and Klein Typology to a Swedish Gang Dataset

• NCJ Number: 241524
• Journal: Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice Volume: 28 Issue: 4 Dated: November 2012 Pages: 426-445
• Author(s): Amir Rostami; Fredrik Leinfelt; Stefan Holgersson
• Date Published: November 2012
• Length: 20 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: European Cmssn, DG Justice, Freedom and Security
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study investigated the application of the Maxson and Klein gang typology on a dataset of seven Swedish street gangs.

Abstract

In this study the authors investigated the application of the Maxson and Klein gang typology on a dataset of seven Swedish street gangs. Individual-level data on 239 gang members were analyzed. While some Swedish criminologists maintain that no street gangs exist in Sweden, this research project provides evidence to the contrary. Findings support the utility of the Maxson and Klein typology. Results show that the "compressed gang" was the most common type of street gang in the dataset. This finding is also in concert with other European gang studies, adding further evidence for the applicability of the gang typology. Findings also suggest a similar pattern of gang development and structure to that of American and European street gangs. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage Journals.