The discussion reflects the authors’ backgrounds as sociologist and academician, a specialist in public administration, and a sociologist and war veteran who has used direct ethnographic field research in Detroit. The text analyzes the history and development of gangs through a perspective that considers several sociological factors related to gangs, including the basic human need to bond and the media and law enforcement’s responsibility for creating an image of gangs that does not always represent reality. It also considers the question of gender and the phenomenon of females’ participation in gang activity. The analysis reveals that a misunderstanding of gangs tends to promote an overreaction to them and can lead to misguided solutions that sometimes are worse than the problem. It notes that legislatures, police, and courts have imported the gang burden into prisons, because society regards imprisonment as a primary method of addressing gangs. The analysis concludes that a progressive criminology is needed that combines enlightenment, empowerment, and reinforcement; strives for peace and social justice; and has at its core an appreciation for human rights. Photographs, figure, chapter reference notes, name and subject indexes, and approximately 300 references