Female Gangs: An Historical Perspective (From Female Gangs in America: Essays on Girls, Gangs and Gender, P 187-209, 1999, Meda Chesny-Lind and John M. Hagedorn, eds. -- See NCJ-184395)

• NCJ Number: 184403
• Author(s): Carl S. Taylor
• Date Published: 1999
• Length: 23 pages
• Sale Source: Lake View Press
• Publication Format: Book (Hardbound)
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

This chapter reviews the history and development of female gangs--particularly African American female gangs.

Abstract

The chapter examines the emerging attitude of female criminal independence and the changing male-female gang relationship. It also studies the deterioration of inner-city Detroit’s, economy, and the impact such a situation can have on the opportunities, circumstances, and values of young African-American women. In relation to gangs in the 1990's, females appear as independently functioning units, coed gangs and auxiliaries to male gangs. In gangs that have become financially and commercially competent, gender is irrelevant. Where women have entered the corporate arena and proven their worth, the gang generally does not differentiate between the sexes. They may not have the same level of participation, but females are included in the subculture of crime. Black female gangs are part of the new era of commercial gangs. They are participants within the various gang types. Scavenger, delinquent, criminal, compatriot, territorial, and corporate types are all part of the transfamilial social organizations in Detroit.