Street gangs have a long history and are a serious problem for society. Fewer than half the cities in the United States reported gang activity 20 years ago, but gang activity now appears to exist in every major city. Gangs tend to consist of young people of the same race, nationality and social past. Gangs give members a sense of belonging and a feeling of power. Gangs typically use violence as a means of both protecting their territory and gaining money and power. Weapons and drugs are now a central feature of gang culture. Opinions vary regarding the best way to solve the gang problem. Some people favor harsh penalties; others regard gangs as a natural outgrowth of certain social conditions that need correction and not that gangs serve as substitute families for young people whose lives seem hopeless. Efforts to address gangs include curfews, restriction of assembly, Federal and State laws, and special police gang units. Organizations working to prevent people from joining gangs and to encourage current gang members to quit range from grassroots groups that organize within neighborhoods to organizations operated by the Federal Government. Photographs, illustrations, figures, chapter reference notes, index, list of organizations to contact, suggested readings, and 59 references