The first chapter introduces the topic of juvenile gangs, presents various accepted definitions, and describes some characteristics of typical juvenile gangs. The following three chapters continue the focus on contemporary American juvenile gangs, discussing the use of violence, differences among gangs with varying ethnic composition, and the nature and extent of female gangs. Two chapters present a historical perspective on gangs, tracing the history of gang activity in European and American societies, and examining evidence on the nature and extent of gang-related activity in other countries. The next section explores different approaches to explaining juvenile gang behavior, including typological approaches to crime, theories of juvenile delinquency, and the applicability of contemporary theories of crime and delinquency to the explanation of gang formation, persistence, membership, and criminal activity. The final chapters outline major efforts to combat the influence of gangs and consider the future of juvenile gangs in the U.S. Chapter references