The Gang Family

Paper Summary:

The proposed research examines whether young boys are attracted to gangs because they meet needs which are not met by their families. The study first presents a review of the pertinent research. The first section of the review discusses the basic nature of gangs. The second section examines literature related to the thesis that gangs meet needs that are unmet by gang members' families. The third and final section of the review develops conclusions about gangs and the needs thesis. The study tests the "traditional family" theory of gang attraction. Specifically, the study determines whether or not gangs serve as a substitute for traditional families in terms of meeting the needs of these children and adolescents who compose its membership by collecting data from high school males who are gang members to find out if they perceive the gang as meeting those basic needs that tend to be met by family. Further, in an effort to get additional insight into gang members' perceptions of the gang, meeting their needs, some comparisons is made between their perceptions and those of their non-gang counterparts.

From the Paper:

"This study focuses on gangs that fall within the scope of the last provided definition. Prior to the early 1800s, no gangs fitting this definition could be found in America. However, from the beginning of the European settlement in America, there was gang-like activity, especially as class distinctions developed (Olen, 1991). Gang members tended to be from the poorer classes and were typically composed of members of the same race or ethnic backgrounds.

These early gangs banded together for protection or financial gain. In the 19th century, criminally-oriented gangs were first formed. These gangs were formed as the result of a worsening economy and a growing population that increased competition for jobs; soon, gangs began to specialized in crime and became a part of America's cities (Quicker, 1983)."

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