Gangs, Drugs and Violence

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the relationship between gangs, drugs and violence in the United States. It describes the history of gangs in the US and the history of their association with drugs and violence. The paper then analyzes the reasons behind this association and how it is affecting society in the US. The paper concludes that gangs are growing organizations in the United States.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Gangs in the United States
Gangs and Violence
Gangs and Drugs
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The research indicates that gangs are growing organizations in the United States. Currently there is no the country that is not affected by gangs, and it is the school systems that are the targeted home of many gang groups. Gangs elect to focus on schools because of the large youth population that is attracted to drugs and that contains new members for their organizations. The attraction to drugs is significant for gangs because drug activity is the primary source of income for American gangs, which also leads to the violent acts that gang members commit. These violent acts occur because of the gang's desire to protect their "turf" in most cases. When a gang member believes that other rival gangs may be selling or producing drugs in their own area, gang members retaliate with "drive-bys" or other acts of violence. Additionally, the violent acts mat occur because of the gang's desire to collect money that will either support their operation, or buy drugs that the gang members will use themselves. In the modern era gangs are becoming more organized in their drug related activities, producing and importing many of the drugs that they sell on the street. As their businesses grow, so does the violence that is believed to be required to protect their organizations."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Clay, D., and Aquila, F. (1994). Gangs and America's schools. Phi Delta Kappan. 76(1): 65-79.
• Drugs and gangs: Fast facts. (2005). National Drug Intelligence Center. Retrieved October 1, 2006, from http://www.usdoj.gov/ndic/pubs11/13157/index.htm
• Egley, A., and Arjunan, M. (2002). Highlights of the 2000 national youth gang survey. U.S. Department of Justice. Retrieved October 1, 2006, from http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/ojjdp/fs200204.pdf
• Harris, M. (1997). Cholas, Mexican-American girls and gangs. Sex Roles: A Journal of Research. 30(304): 289-301.
• Howell, J., and Decker, S. (1999). The youth gangs, drugs and violence connection. U.S. Department of Justice. Retrieved October 1, 2006, from http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/93920.pdf

More papers on Gangs, Drugs and Violence:

• Term Paper # 129800 : "Gangs, Drugs and Violence"
• Essay # 137359 : "A Proposal for Creating a City-Wide 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization That Will Prevent, Deter and Decrease Crime, Drugs and Violence in an Urban Community"
• Article Review # 115971 : "Youth and Violence"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: