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Youth Gangs: Out of Control and Getting Worse

NCJ Number
165318
Author(s)
R L Maginnis
Date Published
1995
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This analysis of the juvenile gang problem concludes that youth crime, violence, and gang involvement are likely to increase sharply when the large population of elementary-age children reaches adolescence and that further efforts are needed to break the cycle involved in gang participation.
Abstract
Currently and historically, young males commit far more crimes than other age groups. The combination of more chronic juvenile delinquents and an increase in violent juvenile offenders is complemented by an unprecedented increase in youth living with little or no adult supervision. Gangs are spreading across the country and are not just limited to major cities. Some gangs are centered around race or ethnicity. Others are structured around territory, commercial activities, corporate businesses, political agendas, religion, music, and special types of crime. The decline of the nuclear family has prompted many children to join gangs to find purpose, security, and self-esteem. The gang culture gives them a sense of belonging and remakes their value system. Partying, fighting, and vicious gang loyalty become their main values and replace virtues that favor family life. Addressing the youth crime problem must include a strategy to dismantle the growing youth gang movement. Reference notes