Gangs: Definitions, Types & Prevention Strategies | Oxford Languages
Can a group of individuals, bound by shared identity and often engaging in illicit activities, truly define the fabric of a community? The persistent presence and evolution of gangs, from their historical roots to their contemporary manifestations, underscore a complex interplay of social, economic, and cultural factors, making them a significant and often troubling aspect of the modern world.
The term "gang" itself conjures images of violence, territorial disputes, and criminal behavior. Oxford Languages defines a gang as "a group of associates who identify with or claim control over territory and engage in illegal or violent behavior." This simple definition belies the intricate nature of these groups, their diverse origins, and the multifaceted challenges they pose to society. From the infamous mafia families to the modern-day street gangs, the word "gang" can encompass a wide spectrum of organized associations.
To understand the phenomenon of gangs, it's essential to delve into their history, typology, and the ways they operate. The etymology of the word, tracing its roots to the idea of a group working together, reveals a fundamental aspect of human behavior: the formation of alliances and the pursuit of shared goals. However, when these goals involve criminal activity and violence, the dynamics become far more dangerous and destructive. Throughout history, gangs have emerged in various forms, each shaped by the specific circumstances of their environment.
One of the earliest and most notorious examples is the Mafia, a network of organized crime families that originated in Sicily and later spread across the globe. The Mafia's influence is a testament to the power of a well-structured gang and its capacity to infiltrate legitimate institutions. Other examples include motorcycle gangs, known for their close-knit organization, their often-violent activities, and their complex subculture. Similarly, prison gangs are another highly structured form, often operating behind the walls of correctional facilities and exerting significant control over the incarcerated population.
Understanding the different types of gangs is just one aspect of the broader picture. Another significant area of research revolves around the definition of a gang. Different agencies and researchers often use varying definitions, a reflection of the complexities involved in identifying these groups. These definitions are often used to distinguish between different types of gangs, such as youth gangs, street gangs, and adult gangs.
Here's a look at the varied definitions and criteria used in the United States, along with how different agencies and researchers define gangs, youth gangs, and gang members:
| Agency/Researcher | Definition Criteria | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) | A group of three or more persons with a common interest, whose primary purpose is to commit crimes and who exhibit a pattern of criminal gang activity. | Shared name or symbol, leadership structure, rules and regulations, territoriality, and ongoing criminal activity. Targets violent street gangs, motorcycle gangs, and prison gangs. |
| National Gang Center (NGC) | There is no single, universally accepted definition of a "gang." | Focuses on data collection and research to support law enforcement and community efforts to address gang-related issues. |
| Local Law Enforcement Agencies | Definitions vary widely, often using a combination of elements from the FBI definition and local observations. | Definitions can include elements like shared symbols, use of graffiti, and involvement in specific crimes. |
| Researchers (e.g., academic studies) | Definitions often center on a group's shared identity, involvement in criminal activities, and territorial control. | Focus on understanding the motivations and social dynamics of gangs, often including factors like social environment and peer influence. |
The study of gangs is further complicated by the need to differentiate between various types of gangs. Youth gangs, also known as street gangs, often come into focus due to their association with issues like gang violence. However, motorcycle gangs, prison gangs, and hate groups are also considered. Moreover, the lines between these categories may blur, and how youth is defined can also affect research.
The FBI, for instance, targets "violent street gangs, motorcycle gangs, and prison gangs that use violence and illegal activities to control neighborhoods." Their actions reflect the wide-ranging impact these gangs have. The activities can range from drug dealing and violent crimes to maintaining their grip on power through intimidation. Research often focuses on the interconnection between gangs, guns, drugs, and violence.
The National Gang Center (NGC) is an organization that is funded by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) and the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) in the U.S. The NGC provides resources, data, and research to assist law enforcement and community organizations in addressing gang-related issues.
The history of gangs in the United States is a long and evolving story. They have undergone change and have influenced the culture and society. Colonial times also witnessed the emergence of gangs. Some have achieved widespread recognition, while others have remained in the shadows, their actions still impacting communities. Gangs' constant transformations have enabled them to adapt to evolving social, economic, and legal circumstances.
The formation of gangs is often linked to the presence of risk factors, such as the absence of positive role models, exposure to violence, and limited economic opportunities. The desire for money, support, status, and a sense of belonging frequently drives individuals to join gangs, especially vulnerable youth. Gangs provide a sense of identity, belonging, and protection, which can be particularly appealing to individuals who lack these things in their lives.
This can lead to criminal behavior as individuals feel they must engage in illegal actions to prove their loyalty to the group. It can also lead to violent conflicts, which are an unfortunate part of the gang landscape. Some gangs, like the ones found in Manhattan, have a history of violence, such as in the Five Points area. Many other locations have also experienced gang conflicts.
Prevention methods are also implemented to prevent individuals from joining gangs and decrease criminal behavior. These include services, programs, or activities. These are also implemented to deter youth from joining gangs. Situational gang crime prevention focuses on the situational causes of crime.
Gang size can be a factor in how organized a gang is. There is a large amount of concern about serious gangs, such as drug dealing or violent gangs, but the typical gang is less common than the serious one. This may lead to the focus on reducing gang involvement and preventing the criminal activity that gangs engage in.
Gang affiliates have specific characteristics. These members are highly involved in misconduct, and they may be put into restrictive housing. They might require protective custody due to conflict with rival gangs.
Gangs use various symbols to communicate their affiliation and instill fear. They often employ common names, slogans, aliases, symbols, tattoos, clothing styles, hairstyles, hand signs, or graffiti. These visual cues serve as a form of group identification, but they also help to create a visual identity. These symbols signal alliances, territories, and criminal activities.
Understanding gangs is essential to tackling crime, violence, and their impact on communities. It requires analyzing the gangs themselves, their history, and the various factors that influence their formation and growth. It is a complex problem that requires an ongoing and comprehensive approach that considers prevention, intervention, and law enforcement.
The term "gang" extends far beyond the world of criminal activity, also referring to social groups and communities. "Gang" can simply describe a group of friends spending time together. The phrase "gang gang gang," for example, reflects close relationships and loyalty between members of a group or label, in the world of popular culture.
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