Applicable for students, academics, and practitioners, this text presents an overview of the prominent quantitative
and qualitative data that exists on gangs. Academically sound, it synthesizes gang research into a format that
is understandable for students and offers a balance between clarity and rigor. Placing a clear distinction between
gangs and gang members, it highlights the differences between individual and group perspectives and encourages
a richer understanding of the phenomenon. More visual than competing texts, it uses learning boxes to highlight
notable research projects and special topics. Separate chapters are devoted to current issues such as race/ethnicity;
gender; prison gangs; and prevention and intervention.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Definitions
Chapter 3: Explanations of Gangs
Chapter 4: Explanations of Gang Membership
Chapter 5: Gang Organization and Group Process
Chapter 6: The Gang Member
Chapter 7: Criminal Behavior
Chapter 8: Race/Ethnicity
Chapter 9: The Female Gang Member
Chapter 10: Prison Gangs
Chapter 11: Reducing Gangs
Chapter 12: The Future of Gangs