Ch 5 quiz - Juvenile Delinquency

General gang definition

Groups that exhibit characteristics setting them apart from other affliliation of juveniles

Thrasher gang definition

An interstitial group originally formed spontaneously and then intergrated through conflict. Is characterized by the following types of behavior: meeting face to face, milling, movement as a unit, conflict and planning. Results in the development of a subculture.

Eurogang 5 elements of gangs

Durability Spends lots of time together in public membership is composed primarily of juveniles some degree of illegal activity Sees itself as having an identity.

Curry and Decker's 5 elements of gangs

Group Communication Crime Permanence Turf Symbols

Ages in gangs

Early research showed gang members as typically youths; research now shows adults make up 60% of gang membership

Social class in gangs

Vast majority found in lower-class areas, however growing into higher class suburban areas.

Race and ethnicity in gangs

Gangs exist across all racial and ethnic groups; Hispanic makes up 47%, African American 33%, and white 10%.

Females in gangs

Surveys of young females shows ≈10% report membership in a gang; overall self report data shows 25-33% of females claim gang membership