NCJ Number
147653
Journal
Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: (1967) Pages: 5-27
Date Published
1967
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This review of the gang literature of the 20th century reveals five well-defined periods of development, two of which overlap others.
Abstract
The period of pioneering studies was from 1900 through 1930; and depression studies, which emphasized social causality, were conducted between 1930 and 1943. Studies that searched for causal factors in gang delinquency were predominant from 1940 through 1950. During 1942-1962, studies that involved disciplined observation focused on the dynamics of gang formation and activity. The years 1950-1960 were a decade of theorizing. Research in the pioneer period was apparently the most fruitful. Subsequent theory and research largely confirmed and extended the pioneers' work. Factor studies made encouraging contributions. Although stemming from an empirical base with no unifying theory, they showed remarkable congruence in their findings. The observation studies showed less agreement. Studies with a single theoretical base showed considerable discord in both theory and research findings. There has been little consensus among gang theorists and researchers, and theorists have not been attentive to available findings in elaborating new theory. There is apparently no "best" theory or research method. 134 footnotes