NCJ Number
166009
Date Published
1996
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This study describes and analyzes the attitudes and experiences of the members of three youth gangs in a working- class neighborhood of a large Canadian city.
Abstract
Between February 1992 and April 1993 the author collected data that involved close contact with 26 male and female adolescents aged 13 to 18. "Extra" actors contributed to many informal group discussions and were often observed in social settings. The author tailored his appearance to resemble a quasi- rock musician/biker and projected a "tough but fair" attitude during social interaction with actors in the field. Early in the data-collection stage, the author perceived that for the youth being studied subcultural affiliation is a major determinant of current social circumstances. These affiliations are initially based on styles of dress and preferences in music, but other factors such as drug and alcohol habits, preferred social activities, temperament, race, and ethnicity contribute as well. It was evident that each of the actors could be assigned to one of three major subcultural groups: Hommies, Housers, or Bangers. The three groups were mutually exclusive. Within each of these main subgroups were further divisions. Each of the three groups is profiled. In order to develop their sense of style initially, actors gradually immersed themselves in the preferred popular cultural traditions characteristic of their particular subculture. Once recognized as committed to their exclusive method of conducting social life, existing subcultural members would then provide neophytes with camaraderie, emotional and physical support, and a clear frame of reference in relation to likes and dislikes, attitudes, and ways of behaving in the neighborhood. 52 references