NCJ Number
146094
Journal
State Legislatures Dated: (May 1993) Pages: 28-31
Date Published
1993
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The author discusses the growing, troubling phenomenon of gangs.
Abstract
In 1991, there were nearly a quarter of a million gang members across the Nation, and more than 46,000 "gang incidents." In the 72 largest cities reporting, almost 20,000 violent incidents were attributed to gangs, including 974 homicides. Gang members were predominantly black and Hispanic, but the numbers of whites and Asians were on the rise. Los Angeles has the most serious gang problem, as evidenced by the infamous riots that took place in that city in 1992. Knowledge about gangs--who they are, why they exist, how they operate, and what to do about them--is subject to varying interpretations. Researchers agree that the need for esteem-building and social identity is central to gang life. Involvement in gangs and crime becomes alluring when legitimate economic opportunities are lacking and social order is weak. The advertising industry has exploited gang culture for its commercial value, making it seem appealing even to youths who have no lack of economic prospects. This would account for the spread of gangs into comparatively affluent suburban areas. A noted researcher recommends a two-pronged strategy to curtailing gang violence: 1) aggressive enforcement against hard-core "predatory" gang members; and 2) prevention directed at marginal and potential gang members.