Socioeconomic Comparison of Drug Sales by Mexican-American and Mexican Immigrant Male Gang Members

• NCJ Number: 171584
• Journal: Journal of Gang Research Volume: 4 Issue: 4 Dated: (Summer 1997) Pages: 37-47
• Author(s): H K Becker; G T Felkenes; L Magana; J Huntley
• Date Published: 1997
• Length: 11 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Haynes (the John Randolph) and Dora Haynes Foundation
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This is a quasi-experimental study of Latino gang members during 1992-93 in Los Angeles County.

Abstract

The study, involving 76 Mexican-Americans and 18 Mexican immigrants, analyzes gang members' economic gains in selling marijuana, cocaine and heroin to end-users. The supply-and-demand market is characterized by the following: (1) the drugs are illegal and economic transactions must be conducted in a clandestine manner; (2) the production, processing, wholesale and general distribution are monopolistic; and (3) demand for the product is based in part on the social, psychological and biological needs of the user. The selling price of drugs remains relatively stable or within a narrow price range, while the quantity and quality of the product may be manipulated by the various monopolies or street sellers. Mexican-American school dropout gang members rather than immigrant gang members who are school dropouts appear to be the most successful economically in the distribution and sale of drugs at the street level. Tables, references