This paper examines the increase in gangs and gang related violence in America, as well as the available programs and strategies to combat this growing problem.
Abstract The writer of this informative paper details the growing number of gangs and membership to gangs which have become a public security threat that communities are now recognizing that must be addressed. This paper supplies relevant statistics and data relating to gangs and various acts of gang violence. Approximately half of all youth gang members are 18 years or older and thus more likely to become involved in serious and violent crimes than younger gang members. This paper discusses the spread of gangs across America. While gangs have been a problem in L.A. for years, and account for roughly 50% of the city's murders, gangs are now responsible for 41% of the homicides in Omaha, Nebraska. This paper details the various preventative measures and programs available to curtail this growing problem. The writer contends and explains why preventing adolescents from joining gangs seems to be the most cost-effective long-term strategy. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms has implemented a school-based gang prevention program that has shown positive preliminary results. The writer of this paper stresses the need for communities to organize a collaborative approach to gang problems from the outset rather than beginning with a predominantly suppression strategy.
From the Paper "Since 1980, the United States has witnessed a rapid proliferation of youth gangs. According to a 1998 Juvenile Justice Bulletin, there were roughly 286 gang jurisdictions with some 2,000 gangs and approximately 100,000 gang members in 1980. By 1996, there were some 4,800 jurisdictions with more than 31,000 gangs and an estimated 846,000 gang members. In an eleven-city survey of eighth graders, researchers found than nine percent were currently gang members, while seventeen percent stated they had belonged to a gang at some point in their lives. Other studies show similar percentages and also indicated that gang members were responsible for a large proportion of violent offenses."
Abstract The writer of this paper details relevant statistics and data regarding the growing problem of violence and gang related incidents in prisons, both in America and around the world. This paper cites federal reports which state that there was a 400% increase in prison gang disturbances during the 1990s. This paper examines the unique management issues facing prison guards and administrators in trying to control the violence. The writer explores several published articles with information and solutions to the gang violence problem in prisons. This paper delves into the reason gangs exist in prison, which include current gang members who enter prisons who are quick to locate affiliate members from their own gang. Young people who enter prison for the first time learn quickly that the fastest way to get protection from the older, tougher inmates is to join a gang. The writer discusses the importance of systematically monitoring gangs in prison for purposes of seizing drugs and other illegal contraband. This paper also examines the lack of rules or restrictions in dealing with gangs in prison.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
The Statistics
Monitoring
Restrictions
Characteristics Common to all the Gangs Around the World Include
Conclusion
Works Cited
From the Paper "Gang activity through prison is most often tracked by a data base computer system. This insures that an inmate who is known to belong to a particular gang is in the computer data base and can be tracked if he re-offends and goes to another prison or comes back to the same one.
"Also, three systems use regularly scheduled reports, incident reports and intake interviews to track gangs, and in Connecticut, Nebraska and Tennessee, gang coordinators are present in the facilities. Utah uses a graduated point system to document gang activity before the information is officially validated and logged, and Delaware refers all cases of gang-related activity to its internal affairs section."
Abstract Gang involvement among teenagers is a well-researched topic of interest. Themes such as age of participation, reasons for gang involvement, demographics for gang relations, initiation rights, and family relations among gang members have all been studied and examined in current literature. The first section of this paper presents an overall view of that literature and discusses those studies and their findings. The second section of the paper presents a research plan with the hypothesis that gang activities are complex in nature and can result from many different influences. The study examines the relationship between gang activities and the independent variables and summarizes the methods and procedures used in this study. The paper includes tables.
From the Paper "Arthur and Erickson (1992) found similar results when they identified four factors that are associated with gang involvement in schools. When youths experience a sense of isolation, they tend to seek others that can relate to them. Additionally, gang members tend to target these youths for membership. The isolated youths feel a need to gain control over their areas, especially in high population school systems, where there is more competition and less likelihood to stand out in sports or other school sponsored activities. In lower income areas, the lack of social structure within the school systems lends to the alienation of youths, and increases even further the likelihood of gang involvement (Arthur and Erickson, 1992)."
Tags: teenage, self, esteem, National, Gang, Crime, Research, Center
Abstract The paper looks at Vincent Padilla's study "The Gang as an American Enterprise". The paper basically takes on overview of the study discussing what type of study is and what certain questions are asked ending with a critique of the study. The writer shows how Padilla was able to enter a gang after many years of attempting, in order to find answers to the following questions: What is the process in entering and leaving the gang? How is the gang an American Enterprise? What is the involvement of drugs in this gang? Why are people joining gangs?
From the Paper "These questions seem to lead the reader to believe that the study would be a descriptive study as it asks mostly what and how questions with the social phenomenon being gangs and gangs being used as a substitute for a job market. In this descriptive study it took Padilla a while to gain enough access to a gang to provide enough information. The first time around he was going to study ex-gang members, but the sample was too small and the information too little, although this was not a waste of time as he gained information about gangs and gang members in this small study. For the main research he contacted a friend of his, a probation officer, and from there he was lead to his main informant Coco. Coco not only was his main informant, but he also allowed Padilla to gain access to other gang members and the gang atmosphere."
Abstract This paper describes the ethnic composition of street gangs, with an emphasis on those that attract Hispanic youth. Also discussed are the activities of drug gangs and their association with organized crime. Several theories describing the Hispanic gang phenomenon are presented, although the author believes they do not account for all the factors affecting Hispanic street gangs. Other theories also have to be considered in the understanding of this phenomenon.
Outline:
Introduction and Overview
Theoretical Perspectives
Conclusion
From the Paper " There are a number of different characteristics that set Hispanic street gangs apart from other gang types. These include the fact that Hispanic gangs are more likely to develop along ethnic and racial lines. It should also be noted in this regard that the term "Hispanic" is a nebulous term which is often used to include other indigenous cultures such as "...Chicanos, Mexicans, El Salvadorians, Cubans, South Americans, and anyone else from a Spanish-speaking country." (THE PROBLEMS OF DEFINITIONS ) Latino gangs are usually mainly male dominated. "Females who seemed to be with the gang all the time were perceived as more of a support system, companions, girlfriends, and some were referred to as "party animals." (THE PROBLEMS OF DEFINITIONS ) "
Abstract The paper discusses three explanations for the behaviour of gangs in society and notes that their behaviour is composed of a complex of social, cultural and psychological contributory components. The paper relates that increases in gang incidences appear as a result of social, cultural and economic activity and that evidence shows that gang involvement is a socio-economical phenomenon and should be dealt with in this category. The paper further investigates the psychological point of view and gives explanation and understanding for this type of activity and suggests that only a criminal justice policy can correct these types of behaviour.
From the Paper "Gangs have been the subject of detailed scholarly analysis for almost a century, with this analysis tending almost from the beginning to recognize gangs not simply as a criminal justice problem, or an example of disturbed youth, but rather as a form of social organization that develops in response to a range of specific social, economic and cultural stimuli, and actually comprises a spectrum of behaviours which - although often deviant and anti-social - nonetheless represent a logical response to these stimuli."
Abstract This paper explores the social problem of youth gangs in the United States. It looks at some of the historical roots of the problem, the increase in gang activity society is experiencing, and how the media tends to sensationalize and exaggerate the extent of the problem.
From the Paper "During the last decade, crime coverage by the media has increased dramatically, especially juvenile gang crime. The Center for Media and Public Affairs revealed in its study that from 1993 to1996 the U.S. homicide rate fell 20 percent, yet the "media coverage of murders increased an incredible 721 percent" (Perrone, Chesney-Lind 1997). Therefore, it is not surprising that between June 1993 and January 1994, ?the number of Americans naming crime as the nation's "most important problem" increased six-fold"at a time when official crime statistics and victimization surveys showed little change" (Perrone, Chesney-Lind 1997). Critics charge the media with over-reporting and exaggeration of crime-related events and "producing outputs of crime-related articles that bear little resemblance to official crime trends" (Perrone, Chesney-Lind 1997). For example, official crime statistic stories will downplay, ignore, or focus on certain statistics, thus creating a misrepresentation of the actual figures (Perrone, Chesney-Lind 1997). Critics claim this misrepresentation amounts to public manipulation."
Abstract This essay analyzes Louis Rodriguez' book, "Always Running", which discusses why minority youths often involve themselves in gangs, drug abuse, and crime, and what influences enabled Rodriguez to spare himself such a fate.
From the Paper "The reasons that Luis Rodriguez got into a gang are quite similar to the reasons that many minority and marginalized youths participate in gangs. Overcrowded, crime-ridden, drug-filled, poverty-afflicted neighborhoods that lack decent opportunities for education, employment and socialization typically act as pull factors for gang membership. The issues of education, employment, minority status, immigration and others take a toll on the self-worth of many individuals. Faced with a lack of opportunities, many find drug-dealing and self-destructive behaviors the one sure way of fitting in to such..."
Tags: Chicano, Los Angeles, gangs, drug abuse, education, social class, crime, suicide, mentors
Abstract In this article, the writer explores the trans-national nature of the 18th Street gang. The writer explains that strictly speaking, for a gang to be classified as trans-national, the gang has to have its presence in more than one country. This essay explores the reasons due to which this particular gang finds sympathizers and members in different countries. It is argued here that the motivation to spread out and seek to establish roots in other places is because of the very nature of this gang and because of the history of its inception. The writer maintains that there are widespread consequences for the trans-national nature of the 18th Street Gang. This essay shows that some of the trans-nationalism also comes from trans-culturalism. The writer concludes that illegal immigration and deportation of gang members is the key mechanism by which the 18th Street Gang has become a global gang.
Outline:
Introduction
Precedence for Trans-National Gangs in the United States
Latino Trans-National Gangs 18th Street Gang-Precedence for Trans-Nationalism
18th Street Gang as Trans-National
Conclusion
From the Paper "Even middle school children are pushed into membership, sometimes against their wills, and eventually undergo initiation. This ensures the next generation of gangsters, increasing the membership and keeping the gang going.
"This level of openness towards membership has a historical precedence. This gang originated in the 1960s because an older gang, Clanton 14, which consisted of Mexicans and Caucasians who were already established in Los Angeles refused to accept the newly arrived Mexicans. These newly arrived, illegal immigrants, feeling ostracized and with language and cultural barriers to assimilation, banded together to form the 18th Street gang. They retain the character of outsiders, which makes them easier to accept outsiders--even from other races."
Abstract 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)."
Abstract This paper investigates gang life on the streets and gang life in prisons and looks at the relationship between these two types of gang membership. The paper also looks at trends in gang membership, the primary reasons that youth join gangs, societal factors contributing to gang membership, and the feeling of family that gangs provide many youth. The paper also includes interviews of youths from street gangs and prison gangs and concludes that prison life is merely an extension of gang life for many of the youth that are behind bars.
From the Paper "The problem from the law enforcement angle is: "who is in charge?" There is a see-saw effect between the government or various governmental agencies and the parents. Of course, the focus is on dysfunctional families, frequently one-parent, over-burdened, poverty-stricken families. There are two choices for society: to completely turn their back, as is happening all too often, is to do something to provide an opportunity and a look at a better future for disillusioned, frustrated, angry juvenile offenders."
Abstract This paper aims to provide a basic understanding of the sociology of gangs, including the definition of gangs, the main reasons for joining gangs, sociological characteristics commonly found in gang members, behavior of gangs and the impact of gangs on today's society. According to guidelines, a gang is best defined as a group of youths that commit crimes and identifies with other members of the gang for this purpose. It discusses the conflict theory, that the juvenile becomes a delinquent individual due to conflicts and strain theory, that people are socialized to desire a cultural goal but denied the means to reach it and addresses how these theories can be applied to society.
From the Paper "According to Merton's strain theory, gang members are products of their society. Different social classes have distinct styles of crime due to differential access to institutionalized means of achieving socially acceptable goals. Therefore, youths that are economically and socially challenged do not have equal opportunities to financial success. Therefore, they may be more drawn into certain crimes than youths that have had better opportunities. "
Abstract This paper takes a look at gangs in America starting with the most famous gangs of the 1800s. The paper then delves into the deeper issues about who is typically attracted to gangs, different aspects of gang culture, and the most common gang crimes. The paper also looks at notorious gangs that existed in the Five Points region of New York and explains that the film "Gangs of New York" in many ways misrepresented the criminal activities of the Five Points Gangs.
From the Paper "Unfortunately, gangs have been around on this earth as long as humans. In the 1800's, the United States was enthralled with the activities of gangs and gangsters such as the James Gang and Billy the Kid. As new immigrants arrived in America, the makeup of these gangs started to change. Irish gangs like the Whyos, Dead Rabbits and Plug Uglies, and Jewish ones including the Monk Eastman Gang, terrorized New York City streets. The most disreputable was called the Five Points Gang, because of its location in the Five Points Section or Bowery of Lower Manhattan. First led by Italian immigrant, Paolo Antonini Vaccarelli, the Five Points Gang later added such infamous hoodlums as Al "Scarface" Capone and Lucky Luciano. Today, the number of gang members in the U.S. is estimated at over one million. Although these groups are larger in urban areas such as Los Angeles, Chicago and New York, they are growing consistently in suburban locations as well. Many of these gang members are proud to consider themselves the mafia of the new millennium. Gangs often boast the largest numbers in poor areas, due to other social ills that go hand-in-hand with this poverty such as violence, substance abuse, low education attainment and psychological despair. Such characteristics surely sum up the Five Point Area in the late 1800s as well as parts of Los Angeles where gangs reap havoc today."
Abstract This paper describes and discusses the approach to gangs and gang related activities taken by the citizens and leaders of Pittsburgh. The paper explains how their approach was effective in finding resolutions to the gang problem because they had the the foresight to recognize that gang activity would only become a larger problem if not dealt with in an open and forthright manner. The paper also suggests that the approach is one that should be modeled in other cities where gangs and gang activity is a problem.
Table of Contents
Abstract
Report of 110 Jurisdictions on Gangs The Pittsburgh Solution
Involving the Community
Conclusions
From the Paper "From the latest figures available from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) one finds some rather startling facts and figures concerning so-called "Gang-banging," as reported by the police and community agencies of the 79 major cities and 43 smaller cities in the United States of America. Some - but by no means all - of the key issues concerning gang activity are difficult to obtain because of variations within reporting jurisdictions. For example, what constitutes a gang and gang-related incidents are a problem in the overwhelming majority of large and small U. S. cities surveyed."
Abstract This paper discusses the need for effective law enforcement policies in the U.S. regarding juvenile gangs rather than the present policies which have arisen out of research that has been sensationalized or misinterpreted to the point that it is meaningless for law enforcement agencies or policymakers to use in formulating effective interventions or other relevant programs. The paper proposes that policies for dealing with juvenile gangs should be guided by questions looking at the reality of the juvenile gang problem in the United States today, the incidence of violence associated with gang memberships and the impact the definition of "juvenile" has on gang members who enter the juvenile justice system in the U.S. Additionally, the paper asserts that development of policies on juvenile gangs must be guided by questions looking at which law enforcement programs and community initiatives have proven effective in reducing the incidence of gang membership and violence in inner cities and whether or not juveniles can be prevented from joining gangs in the first place. The study proposes to use an action research methodology to answer the questions raised in the paper.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Historical Perspective
Statement of the Problem
Proposed Future Direction
Summary
From the Paper "This renewed interest in juvenile justice policy generally and in highly punitive interventive measures specifically has taken place in spite of a growing body of research that indicates the incidence for most types of juvenile offending have remained relatively stable over the past 20 years; in fact, the majority of crimes that are committed by juvenile offenders are property offenses such as theft and vandalism rather than violent personal crimes. According to Wolcott, the rates of property offenses decreased during the period 1974 and 1984, but increased slowly between 1985 and 1991 (these rates still did not reach the 1974 levels, though). This author reports that property crime arrest rates have actually remained constant since 1992, but juveniles were responsible for 20 percent to 25 percent of all property offenses committed in the United States annually between 1981 and 1995 (U.S. Department of Justice, 1996)."
