NCJ Number
219801
Journal
Journal of Gang Research Volume: 14 Issue: 4 Dated: Summer 2007 Pages: 27-66
Date Published
2007
Length
40 pages
Annotation
This study identified aspects of the decisionmaking paradigm that influence Native-American youth to become involved in gangs on their reservations, with attention to members of the Sioux Tribes in South Dakota.
Abstract
When respondents were asked to indicate why they became involved in gang activity, a majority (88 percent) stated they joined the gang in order to feel a sense of "power." Only 9 of the 29 current or former gang members indicated that their "home life" influenced their decision to join a gang. Other factors that influenced these youths' decision to join a gang were having friends in the gang, access to alcohol and drugs, wanting to be "cool," and the desire to feel a sense of "belonging." When asked about good reasons for leaving a gang, a significant number (n=18) indicated "involvement in a loving relationship, getting married, and having children." When nongang members (n=25) were asked why they never chose to participate in a gang, some of the reasons given were "busy with sports, school, positive home influence, and none of my friends were involved in a gang." Clearly, the level and characteristics of parental and peer support play a prominent role in diverting Native-American youth from gang involvement. Although a significant number of gang-involved youth claimed to be aware of and involved in the Native-American culture, they chose to become involved in gangs nonetheless. Upon reflection, however, they believed that involvement in their native culture might have prevented their gang involvement. One of the recommendations of this study is that more attention be given to the power and value of early education in the history and communal values of Native-American culture and the significant identity it bestows on those who participate in it. 7 tables and 42 references