Following an overview of the social science approach to understanding gangs, a chapter examines some of the factors that should be used in the classification of gangs. The next chapter provides an overview of the major milestones in the gang literature, followed by a chapter that critiques the racism and oppression hypothesis regarding the social context under which gangs emerge. Other chapters address a number of factors related to the emergence of gangs, namely, the existence of an underclass and the impact of political influences. One chapter describes the oral history method as one of the primary qualitative research techniques for understanding gangs. Two chapters review the history of the literature on gangs, and then a chapter portrays gangs as natural and normal social manifestations, although some gang behaviors may be unacceptable to society. A number of chapters apply organizational theory to gangs. Other chapters consider the impact of drug policies on gang activities. Remaining subjects addressed in the chapters include female gang membership, the family in relationship to gangs, the law enforcement response to gangs, gangs in adult and juvenile correctional institutions, the importance of gang intervention and prevention initiatives, gang problems throughout the country, and societal options for dealing with the gang problem. Extensive tables and figures, a 684-item selected bibliography, and appended supplementary information