NCJ Number
169851
Journal
Journal of Gang Research Volume: 5 Issue: 2 Dated: (Winter 1998) Pages: 51-60
Date Published
1998
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This article provides a factual basis for understanding the white racist extremist gang member.
Abstract
White racist extremist gang members, while few in terms of their representation in the total United States gang member population, cause a disproportionate number of problems. Their gangs, composed of only whites or Caucasians, are most closely associated by the public with hate crimes motivated by racial bias and racial/ethnic prejudice. The sample for this study consisted of 82 hard core white racist extremists from the Aryan Brotherhood, Aryan Nation, and Aryan Youth Movements, Ku Klux Klan, neo-nazis, skinhead groups, white power groups, and motorcycle gangs. The profile of the white racist extremist gang member presented in this article includes data in the following categories: (1) school and education; (2) sexual activity; (3) family life background; (4) religious background; (5) drug-related activities; (6) reasons for joining a gang; and (7) reasons for quitting a gang. The article also includes profiles of gang organization and behavior, and of how gang members adjust to life in a correctional institution. References, notes