The research describes and analyzes a "new" gang in Miami, Fla., "Side By Side." It was designed to illicit the perspective of the gang members and to discover their "world-view." Issues examined by the author included the gang's formation, persistence over time, membership, recruitment, and organizational structure. Issues explored were how gangs originate, why individuals join a gang, how gang members relate to one another, and how the role of the individual impacts the structural development of the gang. Regarding gang structure, Side By Side went through three phases of development: a vertical structure (members about the same age who live in the same neighborhood); a horizontal structure (peripheral members were initiated into the gang); and the familial phase (concern for interpersonal relationships among gang members). The gang members' needs and experiences shaped the progression of the gang as a unit through the three stages of development. Membership into the gang was both achieved and ascribed; it was achieved through a demonstration of courage, as measured by proficiency in fighting; it was ascribed by insisting that prospective members live within the gang's neighborhood boundaries. The gang member adopts the prevalent "social" attitudes of the gang. Gang members, both male and female, said they became involved with the gang to meet their needs for identity, status, reputation, and self-esteem. There were, however, differences between core and peripheral members. Core members identified with both expressive as well as instrumental motives (financial gain). Peripheral members were inclined to identify with expressive motives for joining. In summary, the author advises that the members of Side By Side created a social context that provided them a social structure and a belief system for understanding their own world. 18 references