NCJ Number
167974
Date Published
1996
Length
33 pages
Annotation
Research literature concerning the relationship between gangs and juvenile delinquency is reviewed.
Abstract
The literature included field studies, analyses of criminal justice system data, and surveys of at-risk populations. The individual, the group, and the community were identified as levels of analysis required for understanding the nature of the relationship between gang involvement and delinquency. The review noted that field studies have revealed that the dynamics of the relationship between gang involvement and delinquency vary with respect to time, community context, and ethnicity. Field studies have also consistently revealed a link between violence and gang activity. In addition, analyses of criminal justice system data have revealed that law enforcement interest in gang-related crime and delinquency in the United States has consistently increased over the last 2 decades. Moreover, systematic surveys based on self-reports of juvenile delinquency have consistently revealed that gang members have significantly higher levels of delinquency than other youths involved in delinquency. Further research is recommended. Figures and 59 reference notes