NCJ Number
129211
Date Published
1990
Length
35 pages
Annotation
After a historical overview of gang research throughout the world and in South Africa, this study presents a historical perspective of gangs in black areas and describes contemporary gangs in the black South African townships of Umlazi and KwaMashu.
Abstract
The historical overview of gang research considers the Chicago School, subcultural theory and gang rehabilitation, the declining interest in gangs (late 1960's to 1970's), and present trends (the 1980's). A review of South African gang studies considers the nature of gangs, the definition of the gang, general characteristics of gangs, structural characteristics, dynamic characteristics, behavioral characteristics, and types of gangs. Also discussed are Thrasher's classification of gangs, Cloward and Ohlin's behavioral typology, and delinquent gangs. The descriptions of contemporary gangs in modern South African townships, including Umlazi and KwaMashu, cover the "tsotsis," "amapansula," the "good luck gang," the "train gang," "com-tsotsis," the "sinyoras," the "bush" juvenile gangs, the "pothole street boys," and the "scouts." The chapter recommends gang prevention programs which should be preceded by the systematic study of the Ladino Hills project: a gang intervention model based largely on considerations involving gang structure and cohesiveness. Two case studies of gang members and 25 references