The Gang Phenomenon and the American Teenager

The authors review basic concepts of current teenage gangs in America: (1) normal adolescent behavior as a basis for understanding gang behavior, (2) definition and location of gangs, (3) comparison of gangs with other adolescent peer groups, (4) history of the gang movement with a description of modern gang structure, (5) research of gang formation with demographic comparisons, and (6) female gangs. Current theories on potential solutions to the problem are presented, with emphasis on dealing with society's role in the formation of modern teenage gangs.