Like, I'll Tell You What Happened From Experience...Perspectives on Italo-Australian Youth Gangs in Adelaide (From Youth Subcultures: Theory, History and the Australian Experience, P 122-128, 1993, Rob White, ed. -- See NCJ-162536)

• NCJ Number: 162554
• Author(s): P M Foote
• Date Published: 1993
• Length: 7 pages
• Sale Source: National Clearinghouse for Youth Studies
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: Australia
• Note: Reprinted from Youth Studies Australia, V 11, N 2 (1992)

Annotation

A study was initiated to investigate the specific nature and size of Italian-Australian youth gangs in Adelaide and to assess actual and potential needs of young Italian-Australian youth who frequented city streets.

Abstract

Study participants were recruited through advertisements in the local newspaper and at a local high school. To be eligible as an Italian-Australian, it was necessary for participants to have at least one parent born in Italy and to identify themselves to some extent with the Italian culture. Of 21 young people in the sample, 7 males and 14 females, ranged in age from 13 to 21 years. Unstructured interviews were conducted in which participants were encouraged to set their own agenda for discussion. More than half of the young people spontaneously raised the issue of Italian- Australian youth gangs and violence. Participants agreed that gangs were still very much alive, that gangs formed around the common Italian background of members, and that gangs had a social basis. Responses provided valuable information on the dynamics and perceptions of Italian-Australian youth gangs. Suggestions are offered for professionals who work with members of Italian- Australian youth gangs. 5 references and 1 photograph