Violent Crime among Young Ethnic Minority People

By

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LITERATURE REVIEW1

Perceptions of Gangs and Gang Violence1

Experiences with Gang Violence and Emotional Reactions3

Criminal justice system4

DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS6

Interview with member A6

Interview with member B7

Interview with member C7

Interview with Notary A8

Conclusion9

LITERATURE REVIEW

Perceptions of Gangs and Gang Violence

Understanding what a gang is can be confusing. People in society have different beliefs about gangs and those beliefs influence their perceptions about gangs. There seemed to be an inconsistent description or definition of a gang. Several community centre employees had varying definitions of gangs. Their perceptions suggested that either community centre employees were unaware of the gang problem in the neighbourhood or downplayed the presence of gangs in the neighbourhood. Adolescents also had different perceptions about gangs. The idea that one is associated with a gang because of where he lives is not uncommon (Seigel 2008, pp.46).

Most gangs form around a local territory. They mark and protect it from other gangs. Because of this, society may view all adolescents living in that area as belonging to a gang. However, that perception can be misleading. It is unfortunate, as adolescents, who are not in gangs, can be affected by that perception. These differing perceptions about gangs are not unique. For many years, researchers have attempted to define the term "gang". The lack of a consensus definition can lead to different theories as to why people join gangs and participate in gang violence. Further, having different theories about gangs may also influence the implementation of different gang prevention programs in the neighbourhood. It may be difficult to identify gangs in the neighbourhood if there is not a concrete definition. Researchers are not the only ones that have differing opinions about the concept of gangs (Moore 2008, pp.74).

These views have led states to develop different legal statutes related to gangs and gang activity. Different legal statutes in each state can lead to various problems. For example, gangs may migrate to states with "softer" laws. This migration may decrease the gang problems in one state but adds to the problem in another. The lack of clarity in defining the term "gang", among the community centre employees and adolescents illustrates the larger problem: the inability to agree upon a concrete definition. However one defines gangs, there are also different motivating factors that influence one's decision to join a gang and participate in violence. Youth see many benefits from joining gangs. Each of these benefits has an influence on the youth in the community. For different reasons, youth are attracted to them, thereby increasing gang membership (Miller 2001, pp.79).

Although the participants in this current study were not active gang members, their perceptions provide valuable information. Many in this current study suggested that the decision to join gangs and participate in violence stems from adolescents' lack of acceptance and their need for love. Acceptance is a common attraction for those seeking alternative relationships. There is the perception that gangs provide a suitable environment for those seeking ...