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Gang organization: Slangin’, gang bangin’ and dividin’ by generation

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Abstract

This article explores the relationship between gangs and drug sales in Denver, Colorado and Ogden, Utah. The existing literature argues gangs are organized either for “profit” or they face “obstructions” that prevent the entire group from drug dealing. This research suggests both gang members and non-gang members were equally involved in drug sales; and only a small number of individuals within the gang sold drugs for a year or longer. Drug dealing within a gang is highlighted with a composite study in Ogden (obstruction) and then contrasted with federal law enforcement tactics in Denver (profit and obstruction).

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Notes

  1. My first paper on gangs was written in 1995 during my first semester as an undergraduate student. Although at the time I had not known interviews were part of qualitative research, this style of methodology was simply waiting to be developed by my mentor Patti Adler.

  2. Pseudonyms are used in this essay for the individuals and groups that worked with me on data gathering.

  3. Additional research is needed to cover the historic period when crime and vice were well known in the city of Ogden's 25th Street prior to the 1940s.

  4. Owing to the consequences associated with drug dealing. I have chosen to use a composite of several drug dealing gang members to help protect the identity and background of the individuals who have sold drugs for longer than one year during their lives.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. New Mexico State University, Las Cruces

    Robert J Durán

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Durán, R. Gang organization: Slangin’, gang bangin’ and dividin’ by generation. Lat Stud 8, 373–398 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1057/lst.2010.28

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