RESPONSE OF GANG LEADERS TO STATUS THREATS: AN OBSERVATION ON GROUP PROCESS AND DELINQUENT BEHAVIOR

• NCJ Number: 147318
• Journal: American Journal of Sociology Volume: 68 Issue: 5 Dated: (1963) Pages: 571-579
• Author(s): J F Short Jr; F L Strodtbeck
• Date Published: 1963
• Length: 9 pages
• Grant Number(s): M-3301
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Mental Health
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: A revision of a paper read at the annual meeting of the American Sociological Association, August 1961

Annotation

This paper contains an investigation of group process as an important adjunct to both subcultural and individualistic theories of gang delinquency.

Abstract

Group process is an important element of the explanation of aggressive episodes in gang life. Gang leaders are observed to precipitate acts of aggression that are directed outside their group when their status is threatened. This is believed to arise because the leaders' control of internal resources is limited. It also requires the support of aggressive norms within the group for such behavior is not appropriate in a group with retreatist norms. The interpretation is based upon instances drawn from observations of a dozen Chicago gangs over a 3-year period. Footnotes