NCJ Number
217821
Editor(s)
Marilyn McShane,
Frank P. Williams III
Date Published
2005
Length
232 pages
Annotation
This book relies on field observations to examine the influence of individual interaction processes and situational characteristics in the development of both violent and non-violent gang-related dispute incidents.
Abstract
The main argument is that the study of gang activity has been hampered by a lack of microsocial (individualistic) research on why potentially violent gang encounters are sometimes resolved through non-violent means. Key findings indicated that gang-related disputes most often emerged: (1) in public settings; (2) as a result of a norm violation on the part of the victim; (3) between a gang member and a non-gang member; and (4) in front of an audience. In general, disputes unfolded as a result of the interrelated effects of situational factors and processes, most often involving status management. Disputants also made subjective assessments of the utility and risk of engaging in violence versus retreating. Disputes were most likely to end in violence when situational factors suggested that violence was necessary to maintain or enhance status. Thus, violent disputes were often the outcome when territorial rights were challenged, when members of rival gangs were involved, when the audience engaged in instigating behaviors, when both parties were armed, and when the victim openly challenged the offender. Disputes were more likely to be solved non-violently when one party backed down or when one party demonstrated an overwhelming readiness to fight and held a numerical or weapon advantage. The findings suggest the need for more effective strategies that address the fluid nature of the gang world. The study involved field observations of 12 Black and 8 White gangs in Chicago during the late 1950s and 1960s, which were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The quantitative analysis involved the use of descriptive statistics, while the qualitative analysis focused on themes related to the independent and joint influence of individual (microsocial) factors and processes related to impression management theory. Implications of the research and future avenues for study are discussed. Tables, footnotes, references, appendixes, index