NCJ Number
148898
Journal
Social Problems Volume: 12 Dated: (1964) Pages: 127-140
Date Published
1964
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the motivation of male gang members to expose themselves to the risk of serious incidents arising from delinquent activity; a model is presented that explains motivation in terms of striving for group status rather than class mobility.
Abstract
The motivation issue was explored by analyzing parenthood among gang members of a group known as the Chiefs. Illegitimate fatherhood was conceptualized as an outcome of several distinct behavior components. The area where the Chiefs operated was characterized by high physical deterioration, juvenile and adult crime, drug trafficking and use, and illegitimacy. The motivation issue was also studied for a group referred to as Duke and the King Rattlers. This gang had a reputation for conflict and also engaged in strong-arming and other illegal means of acquiring money. In general, selected lower class values emphasized by street gangs increased the destructive potential of gang behavior. Guns tended to be valued as defensive wepaons but were sometimes used offensively. Public drinking produced episodes of violence with short- lived demonstrations of toughness. The uneven quality of street corner relationships caused tension between unmet needs to affiliate and fear of involvement in serious incidents. Gang members seemed to distrust all persons outside their circle of intimate associates. Males with "scoutish" self-descriptions were more involved in conflict than males who described themselves as cool, aggressive, or athletic. The authors conclude that gang involvement in delinquent activities is not satisfactorily explained by deviant values or neurotic or irrational tendencies. Rather, three parties affect a given action situation: gang, society, and individual. 18 footnotes, 1 table, and 1 figure