The analysis argues that both perspectives are necessary for a full appreciation of a culture or subculture and that the authors' youth in Los Angeles schools and communities that contained many gang members enables them to use both perspectives in their research. The discussion focuses on four major aspects of Chicano gang subcultures: adaptation, variability and change, age and gender roles, and role enactment and self-empowerment. It concludes that the problems of youth in barrios of southern California have intensified over the years, with more youths growing up in overcrowded, impoverished households. In addition, gangs have become more pervasive features of barrios, typically involving youths as young as age 12. Although only a small proportion of youths join gangs, some retain active gang involvement until their 20's or 30's. Notes.