NCJ Number
78507
Date Published
1978
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This study investigated the origins and activities of Chinese youth gangs in the northeast section of the city of Vancouver, Canada, over a 3-year period between 1975 and 1978.
Abstract
Specifically, the study attempted to identify and document the existence of several youth gangs that were believed to be operating in the schools and community, to collect data on their origins and activities, and to consider ways of overcoming some of the school and societal problems caused by the gangs. Structured interviews were conducted with 13 gang members and with individuals in schools and in the community who had some contact with them. There were four gangs operating in Chinatown and its environs at that time. They were composed of recently arrived Hong Kong teenagers between 13 and 19 years of age. The learning problems that this group of Chinese youths experienced gave rise to behavior problems in schools. There were many community problems caused by the gangs. These included shoplifting, theft from automobiles, pickpocketing, and others. This study also makes comparisons between the Chinese youth gangs studied and gangs studied earlier by other researchers. Recommendations are made for the improvement of educational provisions for Chinese youths. Nineteen references are provided.