Youth Gang Structures and Collective Violence

Abstract

The author first traces the history of gang formation in the United States and the nationwide scope of gang activity. Gang structures are described next, along with special attention given to the wide variety of gang structures. Developmental gang theories are encapsulated along with important insights that came from these in accounting for gang structures. Next, a brief review of programs that prevent gang joining or reduce gang activity is provided. The chapter concludes with illustration of a practical approach to forming a comprehensive gang prevention, intervention, and suppression program in communities that are experiencing gang activity.