NCJ Number
124245
Date Published
1990
Length
189 pages
Annotation
This sociological study of the culture of the Triads (originally, Chinese secret societies), Tongs (self-help associations established by Chinese immigrants), and Chinese street gangs examines where, how, and why these groups were formed, developed, and transformed; the relationships of the groups to one another are also explored, along with the values and norms of the subculture in which these groups thrive.
Abstract
The opening chapter presents the major theme of the book: the nature of the connection between Triad subculture and Chinese criminality and the internalization of Triad norms and values as a crucial step in the process of becoming a Chinese gang member. The second chapter describes and compares the history, values, recruiting practices, organization, and activities of the Hung and the Ching, two active Chinese secret societies. An analysis of how secret societies degenerated into the organized crime groups now in Hong Kong is followed by a review of the nature of tongs and Chinese street gangs in the United States. A detailed history of Chinese street gangs in the United States focuses on their development in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Monterey Park, and New York City. Other chapters discuss the factors in the rise of Chinese gangs, criminal patterns of Chinese gangs in New York City and other cities, and Chinese gang characteristics compared to other types of gangs. The concluding chapter analyzes Jiang Hu, a powerful Chinese underground society having the values and norms of the Triad subculture. 300-item bibliography, subject index. For individual chapters, see NCJ 124246-51.