NCJ Number
161738
Journal
Journal of Gang Research Volume: 3 Issue: 3 Dated: (Spring 1996) Pages: 25- 35
Date Published
1996
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Data from the 1981 Seattle Youth Gang Study were used to test the assumption that youth gangs specialize in particular criminal activities.
Abstract
Subcultural theorists and law enforcement personnel in particular have focused on the criminal specializations of youth gangs. However, these assumptions and policies are contrary to a large array of research suggesting that offenders are generalists rather than specialists. This analysis used simultaneous latent structure analysis with data on 1,161 youths. The sample purposely included disproportionate numbers of youth with police or juvenile court records. The Seattle data revealed that involvement in juvenile delinquency appears to be general for both gang members and nongang members. A model of delinquent involvement was identified and fitted to both gang and nongang members. Several external validity tests further confirmed these findings. Findings challenge the stereotypes of gangs perpetuated by subcultural theories and some law enforcement policymakers. Tables and 38 references (Author abstract modified)