Addressing key features of gang membership: Measuring the involvement of young members

In recent years, the growth in knowledge of the characteristics and activities of gang members has been impressive. Little is known, however, about the key features of younger gang members, those in middle school. Ninety-six middle school students who self-reported current or former gang membership...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of criminal justice 2000-11, Vol.28 (6), p.473-482
Main Authors: Decker, Scott H, Curry, G.David
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Criminal justice
Family characteristics
Gangs
Membership
Memberships
Middle schools
Organizational structure
Polls & surveys
Youth gangs
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Summary:In recent years, the growth in knowledge of the characteristics and activities of gang members has been impressive. Little is known, however, about the key features of younger gang members, those in middle school. Ninety-six middle school students who self-reported current or former gang membership in a school-based survey form the sample for this analysis. This study examined four dimensions of gang membership: joining the gang, processes involved in gang life, organizational characteristics of the gang, and family characteristics. Gang membership appears to be transient, with a weak hold on members during periods of membership. This is especially true when the results of this study are compared to studies that used older members.
ISSN:0047-2352
1873-6203
DOI:10.1016/S0047-2352(00)00063-5