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Perspectives on Gangs and Peer Group Influences Pertaining to Delinquency Causation

  • Peter C. Kratcoski
  • Lucille Dunn Kratcoski
  • Peter Christopher Kratcoski
Chapter
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Abstract

The motivations for an adolescent to join a gang vary and include obtaining status and recognition, companionship, protection, and material gain. Scholars became interested in street gangs in the early part of the twentieth century, and writing and research on them have continued up to the present time. Much of the initial activity of street gangs was directed toward protecting their “turf” or neighborhood from invasion by other gangs. However, the focus of many gangs tended to change and became more directed toward engaging in criminal activities, particularly drug trafficking.

Attempts at gang suppression include legislation, special gang control units within police departments, and the involvement of citizens in community activities directed toward providing alternatives for those youths who may be moving toward involvement in gangs.

Keywords

Gang Street gang Conflict gang Criminal gangs Peer group Gang suppression Structure of gangs 
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Copyright information

© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020

Authors and Affiliations

  • Peter C. Kratcoski
    • 1
  • Lucille Dunn Kratcoski
    • 2
  • Peter Christopher Kratcoski
    • 3
  1. 1.Sociology/Justice StudiesKent State UniversityTallmadgeUSA
  2. 2.TallmadgeUSA
  3. 3.Williams, Welser & Kratcoski LLCKentUSA

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