Youth Collectivities and Adolescent Violence

Abstract

(from the chapter) This chapter discusses studies of gangs. Gangs are groups whose members meet together with some regularity, over time, on the basis of group-defined criteria of membership and group-defined organizational characteristics; that is, gangs are non-adult-sponsored, self-determining groups that demonstrate continuity over time. Topics discussed include the definition of gang; the community context of age and gender relationships; ethnicity conflict and "hate" crimes; and individual level of participation and group processes in youth violence. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved).