NCJ Number
147296
Date Published
1989
Length
134 pages
Annotation
This study examined whether three groups of students (uninvolved youths, recruits, gang members) have different perceptions about why some juveniles join gangs.
Abstract
Data were obtained from a student sample in a selected Gulf Coast school district. Eight documented gang members participated in the study. Students studied were in grades 7, 8, 9, and 10. The study instrument, which was developed by the researcher, was tested for content validity and reliability. The questionnaire gave students options from which to select to express their opinions about why juveniles join gangs. Options were membership in a single- parent home, need for social acceptance by peers, lack of access to positive role models, socioeconomic status, lack of access to recreational facilities, and lack of involvement in a religious group. Findings show no significant differences among the three groups in attributing gang membership to socioeconomic status, social acceptance, positive role models, high unemployment, and lack of access to adequate recreational facilities. Uninvolved youths were more likely than gang members and gang recruits to attribute gang membership to having been raised by a single parent. Also, gang members were more likely than gang recruits and uninvolved youths to disagree that lack of exposure to religion contributed to gang membership. Implications of the findings and recommendations for further research are discussed. Appended study instrument and a 22- item bibliography