NCJ Number
144929
Editor(s)
S Cummings,
D J Monti
Date Published
1993
Length
365 pages
Annotation
Thirteen papers by experts in the field of contemporary youth gangs discuss what is known about gangs, the behavior and organization of gangs in various settings, and what can be done about gangs.
Abstract
The opening chapter identifies problems that have most hampered research into gangs, and gang research conducted thus far is reviewed and tied to a tradition of social activism and efforts to shape social policy. This is followed by a paper that explores the conceptual frameworks and theories about gangs, diverse and similar gang behaviors, and the challenges for future research into gangs. Eight papers explore various types of gangs and gang behavior, including youth gangs in two predominantly white Brooklyn neighborhoods, Hispanic street gangs in Chicago's public schools, and gang graffiti in the barrios of Los Angeles and Chicago. Other chapters on gang organization and behavior address "wilding," the established gang, the working gang, gang organization and migration, and gangs in more- and less-settled communities. Three papers focus on what can be done about gangs. The concluding paper argues that based upon the evidence and arguments presented throughout this volume, the strategy most likely to be effective in countering gangs involves programs that foster economic development, education, and job training. The author draws upon underclass theory to support this strategy. Chapter notes and a 460-item selected bibliography