G is for Gangsta: Introductory Assessment of Gang Activity and Issues in Minnesota

• NCJ Number: 196108
• Author(s): John Harrington; Kate Cavett
• Date Published: 2000
• Length: 179 pages
• Corporate Author: Hand in Hand
• Sale Source: Hand in Hand
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Downloaded July 18, 2002

Annotation

Addressing the rise and spread of gang activity in Minnesota, this research report describes gang life and gang culture through the words of gang members.

Abstract

Through the use of extensive qualitative data, this research report describes gang activity and gang culture in the State of Minnesota. After briefly introducing the goals and approach of their research project and presenting a chart describing the demographic make-up of individuals interviewed in this study, the authors provide a comprehensive literature review of gang organization, including the criteria for defining a gang, names of several gangs, and gang member titles. The authors then explain the varied reasons gang members give for joining a gang as a search for safety, love, power, freedom, and/or fun. Discussing members’ addition to gang membership like a drug addiction, the authors present three stages of gang addiction: Internal Change, Lifestyle Change, and Life Breakdown. Extensive quotations from gang members describe various gang rituals, initiations, music, and clothing. Describing the special conditions of being a “female gangsta,” the authors present quotes from female gang members to demonstrate the differences between male and female gang membership. Arguing that the families that produce gangsters are typical of today’s modern families, the authors discuss gang member family dynamics, cultural concerns regarding gang activities, and what happens when gang members attempt to leave a gang. After addressing gang related issues such as criminal activity, migration, and community response to gangs, this report also documents psychological issues involved in gang membership and presents a survey of gang members. After presenting recommendations for further research on the cultural issues involving gangs, the authors provide a listing of gang member interviewees, a discussion of the historical development of Minnesota’s gangs, and a profiles report, through a series of appendices.