NCJ Number
148439
Journal
Criminology Volume: 32 Issue: 2 Dated: (May 1994) Pages: 197-219
Date Published
1994
Length
23 pages
Annotation
Using data obtained from interviews with 90 male gang members in Milwaukee, this study provides quantitative and qualitative data on the conventional orientations of young adult gang members.
Abstract
The results showed that gang members appear to be working more today than 5 years ago, but participation in the legitimate labor market remains low, and drug trafficking seems to have filled the employment vacuum. Researchers developed four ideal types of male adult gang members based on the degree of conventional behavior they displayed: those few who had gone "legit" or had matured out of gang involvement; homeboys, those black and Latino gang members who alternately worked conventional jobs and took part in drug sales; dope fiends who participated in drug trafficking as a way to maintain access to the drug; and new jacks who regarded drug trafficking as a career. 7 notes and 49 references