NCJ Number
162580
Journal
Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Problems Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1996) Pages: 52-55
Date Published
1996
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Faced with a crisis of suburban youth violence, political leaders have invoked the "war" metaphor as the basis for policy and intervention; in effect, society meets youth violence with adult violence, a perspective that is both costly and counterproductive.
Abstract
Youth gangs have become increasingly prevalent in many suburbs across America during the past two decades. Indications of this are the organized sale of hard drugs, weapons in public schools, drive-by shootings, graffiti, bizarre clothing and tattoos, turf wars in public places, and aggressive gang recruiting campaigns. Although the etiology of suburban youth gangs is not well understood, some researchers suggest that social disorganization and instability, limited experience of suburban law enforcement agencies, and an imitative and media- driven youth culture may contribute to the suburban gang phenomenon. Further, recent demographic changes have greatly increased the political and social influence of suburban areas. The power of the "war" metaphor is well documented, but the social problem-solving approach may be more effective than the concept of war in dealing with juvenile delinquency and gangs. Dimensions of a comprehensive social approach to dealing with suburban youth gangs encompass prevention, prosecution, and placement of juvenile offenders with appropriate dispositional alternatives. The local level may be the most effective place for developing gang policies. 22 references and 1 illustration