NCJ Number
202335
Journal
Crime & Delinquency Volume: 49 Issue: 4 Dated: October 2003 Pages: 627-642
Date Published
October 2003
Length
16 pages
Annotation
The concept of “choloization” among gang members is tested using quantitative methods.
Abstract
The term choloization is repeatedly used in research on Latino gangs. Choloization refers to a process in which gang members are less acculturated to American society than non-gang members. However, most research that refers to choloization among Latino gang members has utilized qualitative methods; as such, the concept has never been subjected to a quantitative analysis. The authors sought to expand on the understanding of the gang process by using quantitative methods to explore the concept of choloization. The authors hypothesized that Latino gang members would have a greater identification with Mexican culture than non-gang members. The authors administered the ARSMA-II Acculturation Scale to 370 incarcerated Latino youth from Los Angeles County. Data were analyzed using the ARSMA-II formula, which revealed support for the hypothesis. The concept of choloization was thus supported with quantitative data and the authors assert that the findings have implications for policies that target delinquency interventions. However, the authors caution that the process of choloization further alienates the dominant group from the Latino gang members, which further disenfranchises Latinos. Tables, appendix, notes, references