Female Gangs

Term Paper # 99505

Criminology
Gender and Sexuality > Gender Studies

Female Gangs

This paper discusses the differences in behavior between male and female gangs.

1,603 words () | 19 sources | APA | 2007 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper explores gangs, with a focus on female gangs and the behavioral differences between male and female gangs. The paper also provides evidence that although female gang behavior may be less violent, it is still a cause for social concern.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Gang Overview
Female Gangs
Differences in Behaviors Between Male and Female Gangs
Female Gangs: Still a Cause for Social Concern
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Early on, sociologists and the media portrayed gangs as groups of deviants who were not clearly in violation of any laws, but were considered to be in violation of folkways. However, today the term "gang" conjures entirely different images. Instead of a group of boys hanging out on a corner, gangs today bring forth images of lawless groups, images that cause people to feel angry or fearful. Today, gangs are most often thought to be involved in violent crime and drug-related activities. "In other words, gangs have become to be viewed as groups of individuals involved in illicit or illegal drug-dealing accompanied by violence" ("Youth gang", n.d.)."

Sample of Sources Used:

Bjerregard, B., and Smith, C. (1993). Gender differences in gang participation, delinquency,and substance abuse. Journal of Quantitative Criminology 9:329-355.
Block, C.R., Christakos, A., Jacob, A., and Przybylski, R. (1996). Street gangs and crime: Patterns and trends in Chicago. Research Bulletin. Chicago, IL: Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority.
California Department of Justice. (1997). Female gang members--Arrest records reviewed. Sacramento, CA: Office of the Attorney General.
Campbell, A. (1984). The girls in the gang. Oxford, England: Basil Blackwell.
Campbell, A. (1990). Female participation in gangs. In Gangs in America, edited by C.R. Huff. Newbury Park, CA: Sage Publications.