NCJ Number
143261
Journal
Journal of Pediatric Health Care Volume: 7 Issue: 1 Dated: (January- February 1993) Pages: 39-41
Date Published
1993
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Although gangs in the United States date back to the 1920's, the nature of gang membership has changed; gang membership now confers identity, a sense of belonging, and a feeling of power.
Abstract
Part of the gang's mystique is to inspire fear or deference by those who are not members, and achieving this status often results in violence. Further, gang violence is frequently linked to drug use or drug trafficking. Gangs generally claim a neighborhood or territory and defend it. In some cases, territoriality may establish boundaries for keeping gangs in one place. All gangs do not have the same objectives: Asian gangs are oriented toward obtaining money; Mexican-American gangs engage in partying and fighting; black gangs are often involved in drug trafficking; and white supremacist gangs use hate against ethnic and religious groups in their rhetoric and in violent acts. All gangs have a common theme--they represent a form of adaptation to the larger society. In recent years, female gang members have become more visible. Basically, girls who join gangs have the same low self-esteem and feelings of hopelessness that boys have. Girls tend to romanticize gangs and to view themselves as breaking out of traditional female roles. Gang violence occurs in home neighborhoods, in the streets, in schools, and in both inner cities and suburban communities. A community effort is needed to reeducate gang members to adopt more acceptable behaviors, and such an effort cannot be successful if conducted in isolation from measures to improve the living situation of the disadvantaged. 7 references