Race and Gang Affiliation: An Examination of Multiple Marginality

• NCJ Number: 221363
• Journal: Justice Quarterly Volume: 24 Issue: 4 Dated: December 2007 Pages: 600-628
• Author(s): Adrienne Freng; Finn-Aage Esbensen
• Date Published: December 2007
• Length: 29 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

In an attempt to expand the literature on race/ethnicity and gang membership and utilizing multisite survey data, this study examined the multiple marginality framework of gang involvement for Whites, African-Americans, and Hispanics.

Abstract

In reference to whether multiple marginality is a viable explanation of gang membership, the results indicate general support for multiple marginality as a viable framework for predicting current gang membership. The majority of multiple marginality concepts were found to be important predictors of gang membership (highest parental education, limited education opportunities, school commitment, attitudes towards police, neutralization, and street socialization). The ecological and economic factors, however, were not found to be significant, except for parental highest education. In addition, family variables did not appear to be important factors for gang membership, once the effects of other factors were controlled. In reference to whether multiple marginality applies globally or uniquely to different racial ethnic groups, the results provide a somewhat mixed conclusion. The results indicate a similarity of marginalization factors for African-Americans and Hispanics regardless of gang involvement. The multiple marginality framework, developed by Vigil (1988, 2002) introduces specific consideration of the role of race/ethnicity in gang formation, something lacking in prior research. The purpose of this research was to address theoretical and methodological shortcomings in the literature and expand knowledge regarding race/ethnicity and gangs beyond specific racial/ethnic group membership and geographic location. It specifically examined whether the multiple marginality perspective, as outlined by Vigil and as conceptualized, predicted gang involvement both globally and differentially by race/ethnicity. Utilizing survey data, the study assessed the applicability of the multiple marginality framework as an explanation for gang membership and the extent to which it explained gang involvement for individuals from various racial/ethnic groups. Tables, references and appendixes A and B