The text is intended as a reference for students, writers, researchers, and professionals who deal with gangs. An introduction explains the nature of a gang and presents bonding and control theory, opportunity and strain theory, labeling theory, subcultural theory, radical theory, and other theories regarding the reasons youth join gangs. It also discusses social factors, racial and ethnic gangs, gangs in affluent areas, female gang members, the relationship between gangs and violence, police and legislative responses to gangs, the role of schools in preventing gang activity, intervention and prevention, the reasons youth leave gangs, the positive function of gangs, and the outlook for the future. Additional chapters present a chronology of significant events relevant to gang issues; biographies of individuals central to gang research, intervention, and prevention activities; statistical information on gang activities; and State laws. Additional chapters present a directory of organizations and agencies that deal with gangs and gang prevention describe print and nonprint resources. Photographs, chapter reference lists, annotated resource lists, and index