NCJ Number
171575
Journal
Journal of Gang Research Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: (Fall 1997) Pages: 9-20
Date Published
1997
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article addresses ideology in the context of delinquent youth gangs in order to demonstrate its profound policy implications.
Abstract
The article: (1) reviews the subcultural and urban underclass perspectives on delinquent youth gangs, and highlights their similarities and differences; (2) specifies the policy implications of each perspective and argues that, if placed on a linear continuum, they are polar opposites; and (3) contends the futility, both in terms of theoretical insight and practical consequence, of the present dichotomy and suggests the benefit of an integrated, more holistic outlook. The article discusses the importance of gang theory in academe and beyond, the remarkable bearing of gang theories on criminal justice policy, and the practical implementation of ideology. Theoretical work on gangs and the policy recommendations that will follow need not continue in this paradigmatic civil war. Cultural and underclass theories each incorporate the other's fundamental concepts. The popular gang theory dichotomy should thus be discarded for it is a false taxonomy. References