NCJ Number
168064
Journal
Journal of Gang Research Volume: 4 Issue: 3 Dated: (Spring 1997) Pages: 41-60
Date Published
1997
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This study, which was part of the GANGFACT Project conducted in 1995 by the National Gang Crime Research Center, focuses on the characteristics of female gang members as determined from a sample of 1,000 females in custody in 17 States.
Abstract
The first part of this report examines gender differences among gang members. In this analysis the goal is to determine the similarities and differences with regard to gender among those who are self-reported gang members. The second part of the report compares gang members and non-gang members in the confined female population. The third part of the report tests the Model 1 gang/STG classification system on the confined female population. Among the findings in the comparison of male and female gang members was that female gang members are less likely than male gang members to be 18 years old or older, to have fired a gun at a police officer, to have held rank or any leadership position in the gang, to report being in a physical fight with anyone while incarcerated, to report being in fights with rival gang members while incarcerated, and to have volunteered to join the gang. Female gang members were significantly more likely than male gang members to have been bullied by someone while in school, to have been forced to have sex, to be in a father-only household, to stop committing violent crimes if they were juveniles tried as adults, to claim they do not believe in God, and to report that there are female members and female leaders in their gang. The comparison of female gang members with female non-gang members shows differences in attitudes and beliefs, family life, and behavior. With regard to the Model 1 gang/STG classification system, results suggest the need for more refinement before it can be used on confined females as a distinct group. 1 figure and 2 tables