The study design proposed to capture the perspectives and elucidate the context of the young people being studied. In-depth interviews were conducted to gain a greater understanding of the nature and meaning of gang life from the point of view of the females themselves. Establishing rapport with the subjects was crucial as it strengthened reliability and validity. Common responses from gang members were that gangs acted as pseudo-families, offered a means of power, supplied a sense of protection, and provided outlets of excitement. For those affiliated with gangs, criminal activities were sometimes used as a means of protection. According to many young women, the main difference between a gang and a peer group was the illusion of criminal activity. Further, the study observed great diversity in the way gangs were defined by both gang members and non-gang members. Findings are discussed in terms of the need for additional research to conceptualize gang issues and gang prevention strategies, young people's perceptions of gangs, and the need for family intervention programs. 50 references and 5 notes