NCJ Number
149159
Journal
Internal Journal of Offender and Comparative Criminology Volume: 22 Issue: 1 Dated: (1978) Pages: 46-48
Date Published
1978
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Graffiti is often used by delinquent gangs more to receive recognition and publicize their identity than to deface property.
Abstract
Gangs use graffiti to communicate messages that all members understand, to identify specific individuals, and to mark territory. Further, graffiti is employed to display gang existence and relationships and the street identity of gang members. In Philadelphia in particular, graffiti indicates gang territorial ownership and control. In general, the gang subculture understands graffiti, and the use of graffiti represents an important form of symbolic behavior in the gang subculture. Through graffiti, gang members can receive status within the gang by accomplishing difficult exploits. Graffiti also represents a way of maintaining order in an environment of danger and change. 5 references