U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Delinquent Gang as a Near-Group

NCJ Number
149149
Journal
Social Problems Volume: 7 Dated: (1959) Pages: 108-117
Author(s)
L Yablonsky
Date Published
1959
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Based on 4 years of research and direct work with about 30 delinquent gangs in New York City, this paper presents the concept of Near-Group theory to describe juvenile gangs.
Abstract
The analysis focuses on two gangs, the Balkans and the Egyptian Kings. Near-groups are described as having some of the following characteristics: diffuse role definition, limited cohesion, impermanence, minimal consensus of norms, shifting membership, disturbed leadership, and limited definition of membership expectations. The structure of a near-group is such that its functions not only vary greatly and shift considerably from time to time, but its primary function is unclear. Because of gang youths' limited social ability, they construct a social organization that enable them to relate and function at their limited level of performance. The behavior patterns of the New York gangs fit within this framework. The analysis also suggests that the concept of the near-group may be important in examining other groups that reflect and produce social problems. 3 references