NCJ Number
149171
Journal
Human Organization Volume: 34 Issue: 4 Dated: (Winter 1975) Pages: 391-394
Date Published
1975
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This study looked at black adolescent gangs in a large metropolitan area in the northeastern part of the United States during 1969 and 1970.
Abstract
The study focused on such issues as social status and family characteristics, gang member orientation to the larger society, ethnic identity, value commitment, self- esteem, and political ideology. An effort was made to interview members of both "legitimized" and "nonlegitimized" gangs. Legitimized gangs had societally sanctioned leaders, such as social workers, gang workers, and church youth leaders. Nonlegitimized gangs had no adult contacts and depended solely on their own membership for leaders. After 189 interviews had been completed, two young people were designated to meet weekly with investigators over a 2-year period. These youths reported analysis findings back to the gangs and came to understand the nature and process of social science research and gang-related social issues. 10 references and 3 notes