NCJ Number
147670
Journal
Gang Journal Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: (1992) Pages: 57-72
Date Published
1992
Length
16 pages
Annotation
After describing female gangs in San Francisco, this article focuses on the Potrero Hill Posse (PHP), an African- American female gang.
Abstract
The authors are currently conducting a 3-year study of drug sales and violence among ethnic gangs in San Francisco. Participants for this study were located through a combination of chain referral and theoretical sampling methods. The sample is not random nor is it representative of gang members in San Francisco. Sixty-five female gang members were interviewed, representing seven groups. Ages ranged from 14 years of age to 32 years old. Subjects included 51 Latinos, 10 African-Americans, and four Samoans. All of the African-American girls interviewed belonged to the PHP. Their introduction to crack sales in the mid-1980's by gang-affiliated boyfriends precipitated the formation of the PHP. Dissatisfied with the division of profits and labor from these drug ventures, these girls formed the PHP and entered into business themselves. "Rock" houses have become the primary outlets for the group's crack sales. Five such houses are operated by the group at a given time, and each is staffed by two to five PHP members. Group members exchange sex for small quantities of crack. Another major illicit activity of the PHP is shoplifting. The PHP enters stores in groups of as many as 10 members in a coordinated shoplifting strategy. They fill orders by neighbors and others who want to purchase items at less than retail cost. In addition to providing financial benefits, group members draw social support from one another. Although many of the gang members envision leaving the gang at some future time to pursue legitimate employment, none of them has precise plans or goals apart from the gang. 15 references and 5 notes