Gangs and Gang Activity in a Non-Metropolitan Community: The Perceptions of Students, Teachers, and Police Officers

Abstract

This study was conducted in a small community in the south which was identified by its police force as having a sizable gang population. Individuals from 3 groups within the community who have frequent, direct contact with gang members participated in the study. Participants completed questionnaires designed to measure their general perceptions of the gangs, the actors associated with gang development, and the community's response to the gang presence. The results showed striking perceptual differences between the groups, as well as a number of similarities.

Les gangs et la violence dans leur quartier tels que perçus par les jeunes

“…Les travaux de Kelly, Anderson, Hall, Peden et Cerel (2011) ont permis de relever la variabilité des raisons évoquées par les jeunes qui les inciteraient à faire partie d'un gang, l'une d'elles étant qu'ils y sont acceptés (Kelly et al, 2011). L'idée voulant que les membres des gangs y cherchent à combler un vide n'est d'ailleurs pas nouvelle (Thornberry et al, 2003 ;Swetnam et Pope, 2001). D'autres recherches ont montré que l'atmosphère « familiale » trouvée au sein des gangs est leur principal attrait (Decker et Van Winkle, 1996).…”

Perceptions of Gangs and Crews by Justice-Involved Youth and Implications for Best Practice Work

“…Research has generally examined differences between gang and crew from the role of the other, whether that is members of a community or justice professionals (i.e., Lane & Meeker, 2004;Swetnam & Pope, 2001). Youth have been brought into the discussion in a more limited way (Lopez et al, 2006), yet the perceptions of youth are important, especially from a client-centered perspective.…”

Going to extremes: Social identity and communication processes associated with gang membership

“…Whether youth’s perceptions of marginalization have social or economic origins, evidence suggests that it is public perceptions that may contribute most strongly to feelings of marginalization. Swetnam and Pope (2001) asked students, teachers, and city police department employees to discuss their perceptions of gangs. When specifically asked to discuss how gangs have impacted their community, students were uncertain whether gangs were causing problems within the community.…”