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Beyond the Lenses of the "Model" Minority Myth: A Descriptive Portrait of Asian Gang Members

NCJ Number
211040
Journal
Journal of Gang Research Volume: 12 Issue: 4 Dated: Summer 2005 Pages: 37-58
Author(s)
Glenn T. Tsunokai Ph.D.
Date Published
2005
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This study describes Asian gang members in Southern California, with a particular focus on their attitudes and beliefs about gang life.
Abstract
The popular conception of Asian youths is that of “model” minority members and academic overachievers who adhere to societal norms and values. This stereotypic discourse masks the true diversity within the Asian American community, which actually consists of many ethnicities with unique languages and cultures. The current research drew on survey data gathered during 2001 and 2002 from 285 youths from 5 sites across Southern California. The 7 page survey gathered data on over 60 variables routinely associated with gang affiliation, including acculturation issues and negative school experiences. The analysis also compared the responses of non-gang members to the responses of self-admitted gang members. Of the 285 respondents, 45 percent reported gang involvement. Overall, results of statistical analyses support previous research regarding Asian gangs, including the perception of blocked opportunities among gang members and the influence of peers. Gang members were also more likely than non-gang members to report prior problem behavior. Future research should explore racial identity among the many pan ethnic gangs who have gang members of different ethnicities. Table, references

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