Violence & youth
1980s & 1990s saw increase in violent youth crime, been a decline,
- at its lowest since 1988,
- fallen 36% since height in 1994
- decline includes 56% drop in juvenile murder arrest rates
- lowest level since 1966
Gang
group of people that form an allegiance for a common practice and engage in unlawful or criminal activity
Criteria for those in a gang, (U.S department of Justice)
- group has 3+ members, typically ages 12-24
- share an identity, linked to name and/or symbols
- members view themselves as a gang, may be recognized as one by others
- group has some permanence & degree of organization
- group engages in significant level of criminal activity
1970s & 1980s
gangs became more dangerous: increased mobility, access to more lethal weapons, which resulted in more drive-by shootings
Mid 1980s
crack cocaine epidemic transformed many youth gangs into entrepreneurial organizations
1990s & 2000s
early 1990s have more youngers & older members, mid 1990s & early 2000s marked decline in gang problems, recently had steady resurgence 25% increase in gangs from 2002-present
Why does youth join gangs?
- lack of family support… sense of belonging
- peer pressure & ego fulfilment
- racism & cultural discord
- money
- socialized delinquency- actions aren’t delinquent b/c it’s middle class who set standards
- conflict w/others
- recruited by gang leaders that migrate
- income & recreation
- camouflage & protection
- resist getting poor jobs like parents
- carrying on tradition
Gang membership now (by race)
- 48% African American
- 43% Hispanic
- 5% Caucasian
- 4% Asian
Other surveys show a greater number of white gang members
Gaining foothold in community
- parents, police, school officials, & community don’t know how to recognize signs of gangs
- youth targeted by gang often look up to gang lifestyle
- police, courts, & community organizations don’t respond quickly
- denial
- failure of parents, police, schools, & policy makers to work together
Current largest/most dangerous gangs
- MS -13 (Mara Salvatrucha) based in LA but is found around world
- FBI estimate over 50,000 gang members in U.S
- 2nd largest Latin Kings or 18th St. Gang at around 45,000
- Next Crips: 30,000 - 40,000
- Bloods: 20,000
Cultural gangs
neighborhood centered tied to common culture, criminal activity is secondary
Instrumental gangs
criminal activity is primary, drug dealing is & violence is common
Specialty gangs
narrow pattern of criminal/deviant behavior, tagging, stoner/hedonistic gang, party gangs, white supremacy & neo-Nazi gangs
