NCJ Number
147241
Date Published
1992
Length
20 pages
Annotation
The reasons why youths join and stay in gangs were investigated.
Abstract
The authors reviewed theoretical literature, and administered a questionnaire to 11 Alabama youth gang members. Nine of the youths were black, nine were male, and most lived in a household without a father. Of those who knew their father, none reported having a trusting relationship with him. However, most trusted and felt responsible for their mother. Alienation regarding all authority figures was strongly evident. For many individuals, gangs provide, or seem to provide, better and more of the basic needs--food, shelter, love, clothing, discipline, etc.--than do their families and other legitimate institutions. Despite this, trust of fellow gang members was low. Protection was the most common motive for joining a gang; lack of other alternatives appeared to be a significant reason for their not leaving. The text of the questionnaire is included. Appendix, 7 tables, 17 references