Ethnic Youth Gangs in Australia, Do They Exist? Overview Report

• NCJ Number: 190042
• Author(s): Rob White; Santina Perrone; Carmel Guerra; Rosario Lampugnani
• Date Published: 1999
• Length: 42 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Multicultural Foundation
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: Australia
• Note: Downloaded August 29, 2001; for other papers in the series, see NCJ-190039-41 and NCJ-190043-45.

Annotation

This is an overview summary of six studies undertaken on "ethnic youth gangs" in the Melbourne (Australia) metropolitan area over the period 1996-98.

Abstract

The six reports focused on youth from the following ethnic groups: Vietnamese, Turkish, Pacific Islander, Somalian, Latin American, and Anglo Australian. Study methods included a review of relevant literature, the collection of existing relevant information and statistical data, interviews with 20 youth across 5 different areas of Melbourne (total of 100 youth) that had a high incidence of ethnic youth gang activity, interviews with 20 youth with an Anglo Australian background, and the use of youth and community workers to contact youth and conduct the interviews. The ethnic minority youth spoke about the difficulties of migration, of leaving familiar homes and cultures to encounter differences in language, religion, and community values. Considerable variation was found in the circumstances and family situations of the youth, both within groups and between groups. Most of the youth lived in low-income households in low-income areas. Unemployment was a significant problem for both the youth and often their parents. The youth noted the lack of adequate social services, employment opportunities, and recreational venues. The youth perceived that many youth across diverse communities and neighborhoods engaged in various forms of illegal activity, notably drug use and drug dealing. There was confusion about the difference between "gangs" and "groups," with the distinction tending to be engagement in illegal activities by a group of youth. All of the groups criticized the media for biased and exaggerated negative reporting on the behavior of ethnic minority youth. Recommendations pertained to youth education in cultural awareness and the divisiveness of racism; the promotion of conflict resolution training; special services and training for youth involved in bullying and gang-related behavior; and the adoption of community policing practices. Other recommendations pertained to broad government strategies and media strategies. 5 tables and 71 references