The United States has a long history of trying to understand and deal with youth street gangs, particularly in the context of economic and urban influences. Youth street gangs have proliferated in the 1980's and 1990's and have become more violent, and economic restructuring has played a role. Limitations on economic opportunities contribute to the gap between the rich and the poor; inner-city economies are especially affected. In addition, economic constraints in the form of government fiscal crises and changing tax policies have weakened schools and other essential services to communities. The author discusses the relevance of the U.S. experience with youth street gangs and ethnically or racially distinctive populations to the European situation. 41 references and 11 notes