NCJ Number
177273
Date Published
1997
Length
260 pages
Annotation
Juvenile gangs are examined as an outgrowth of society's need to explain crimes committed by juveniles and in terms of their history, development, types, culture, activities, and portrayals by the media and law enforcement.
Abstract
The discussion notes that youth groups are normal, but some groups come to be seen both by outsiders and by the youth themselves as gangs. The issues of social class, economics, ethnic loyalty, and political policy complicate the topic of gangs. The analysis also notes that a misunderstanding of gangs tends to promote an overreaction to them and can lead to misguided remedies. Topics include the recent growth of gangs, stereotypes of gangs, estimates of the numbers of gangs and gang members, theories about the causes of gangs, and gangs in the context of the underclass. Further sections focus on typologies of gangs and gang members; characteristics of gang members; the nature and origins of the gang subculture; socialization into the gang subculture; violence, drug law offenses, and other criminal activities of gangs; and female gangs and gang members. Further chapters discuss community and national gang intervention strategies, the components of successful programs, and the legal response to youth gangs. Photographs, figures, chapter notes, name and subject indexes, and approximately 300 references