This book is designed for courses on gangs, delinquency, criminology, violence, social problems, juvenile justice, and criminal justice.

Emphasizing community and neighborhood, Confronting Gangs weaves contemporary research and policy findings around classic and emerging theories of gangs. The book eases instruction by providing students with links between the gang literature and traditional
criminological, criminal justice, and sociological approaches to gangs. The book integrates gang perspectives on many issues through the use of quotes from gang members themselves. These views from "inside the gang" bring the book to life. What better way to make the subject come alive for students?

Confronting Gangs offers a specific focus on each of the following topics:

• The number and nature of gangs 
• The link between gangs and delinquency
• The role of drugs in contemporary gangs
• Female gangs
• Gangs and social institutions (such as the family, school, and job market)

About the Authors

G. David Curry received his Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Chicago, where he also completed a postdoctoral fellowship in evaluation research. He has published extensively in the areas of gangs and violence, and has received funding by several federal agencies to study gang problems.

Scott H. Decker received his Ph.D. in Criminology from Florida State University. He is coauthor of Life in the Gang, as well as several articles dealing with gangs, drugs, and violence. Decker has received grants from a number of federal and state agencies to study gangs and evaluate gang programs.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1. Defining and Measuring the Prevalence of Gangs
In this chapter the authors discuss a variety of approaches to defining gangs, and include the words of gang members from several cities to highlight the variety of approaches to defining gangs. In addition, results from national efforts to determine the level of gang activity are included.

Chapter 2. The Link Between Gangs and Delinquency
This chapter discusses the way that gang membership increases the level and seriousness of delinquency and crime among members. It differentiates between serious and minor forms of delinquency, and highlights field studies of gangs.

Chapter 3. The Gang Experience
In this chapter, the authors review the salient aspects of gang life experienced by gang members. Topics such as initiation, graffiti, violence, and leaving the gang are covered. Specific attention is paid to the process of joining the gang. The chapter highlights the perspective of gang members in its treatment of these issues.

Chapter 4. Gangs, Gang Members, and Drug Sales
This chapter reviews what is known about the links between gangs, gang members, and drugs. Sources of information include gang members, non-gang involved youth, the police, and other officials. Two competing views about the extent to which gangs control and direct drug sales are contrasted.

Chapter 5. Female Gang Involvement
Even though gang membership by girls is growing, most books pay scant attention to this topic. This chapter provides a comprehensive view of the reasons why girls join gangs, their activities as gang members, and the results of several recent intervention programs.

Chapter 6. Gangs and Social Institutions
Many gang members are inaccurately depicted as being estranged from their families, schools, and neighborhoods. This chapter presents a balanced view of the evidence that bears on these issues.

Chapter 7. Responding to Gang-Related Crime and Delinquency
This chapter provides a comprehensive review of recent state and federal initiatives for dealing with gangs. The evidence regarding the success of programs is presented, along with the shortcomings of programs and evaluations in this area.

Chapter 8. Gang Theory and Policy
The book concludes with a short chapter designed to focus student attention on important issues of theory and policy. Having absorbed the previous seven chapters, the student is now ready to reflect on policy interventions and theoretical approaches to gangs. This chapter is designed to be thought provoking, rather than a comprehensive review of all that is known in these areas.