NCJ Number
148519
Date Published
1992
Length
23 pages
Annotation
To be classified as a gang, an organization must meet five criteria: have a name, claim territory or turf, be composed of members who continuously hang out together, have unique distinguishing characteristics, and engage in criminal activity.
Abstract
The primary motivations for joining a gang include identity or recognition, protection, fellowship and brotherhood, and intimidation. Personal factors contributing to gang involvement which are outlined here include power, pride, prestige, peer pressure, adventure, self-preservation, lure of money, and limited life options. The levels of individual gang involvement include youth who fantasize about gang membership, youth at risk of gang membership, "wanna be" associates, gang members, and hard core gang members. The most successful strategies to preventing gang activity seem to be suppression, social intervention, provision of social opportunities, community mobilization, and organizational change. Schools can help combat the problem through providing staff development, teaching values, fostering a positive school climate, and developing culturally inclusive curricula.