Gender Bias
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Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF)
Gangs Caroline L Hilk . Michael C Mensink
Historically, a gang has been defined as any collection of individuals who engage in illegal activities. While this broad definition has served its purpose within a historical context, the definition of a gang within the context of the twenty-first century has changed, and now necessitates greater specificity. While many other types of gangs exist, such as outlaw motorcycle gangs and prison gangs, of specific concern to those who work in the field of education are youth gangs. Youth gangs are defined by the following characteristics: a self-formed group of three or more members united by mutual interests; using symbols to communicate; and collectively involved in crime and in control of a particular facility, territory, or enterprise. While typically comprised of juveniles or young adults, youth gangs may often be associated with adult gangs in the same area. The history of modern gangs can be traced back to the late 1960s, during the civil rights movement, when drug culture was increasing in the United States (U.S.). During the 1960s, groups such as the Crips were formed by African American youth within the city of Los Angeles to protect their neighborhoods from racial violence. Although the group formed with the intention of working toward political change, by the mid-1970s the Crips had become a criminal organization that committed robberies, sold drugs, and performed other illegal activities. A rival gang called the Bloods formed to challenge the Crips’ activities around Los Angeles during this period. Many other gangs were also formed during this time, usually located in impoverished neighborhoods within large cities. During the late 1980s, other cities within the U.S. began to see an influx of gang activity due to both the expansion of Los Angeles based gangs into other parts of the country, and their emulation by other disenfranchised youth living in impoverished neighborhoods. Throughout the 1990s, gangs such
as the Bloods and Crips continued to expand, gaining representation across multiple states and cities. Gang culture also became glorified during this time period due to the increased visibility of gang lifestyles presented favorably in popular music and media. Although the U.S. has reported an overall reduction in violent crime since the 1990s, gang activity continues to be a prevalent problem for both schools and law enforcement.
Risk Factors Risk factors that are predictive of gang membership are also highly correlated with delinquent behaviors such as violence and/or drug and alcohol abuse. These risk factors include a lack of economic opportunities and social acceptance, availability of drugs and weapons, and neighborhood disorganization. A family history of drug abuse, gang involvement, violence, and low socioeconomic status are also risk factors for gang involvement and criminal delinquency. In addition, youth who are struggling in school and have low academic aspirations are often drawn to the opportunities that
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