Gangs in America

By C. Ronald Huff and Ronald Huff

Book Overview

"The chapters . . . have special significance for the state of knowledge concerning gangs, for the future of both empirical and theoretical approaches, and for appropriate responses to problems posed by gangs. . . . The research and experience recounted in these pages offer both enlightenment and hope--enlightenment as to some of the many varied patterns of gang behavior, and hope in the experience and the modest claims of communities that have confronted these problems." --from the Foreword by James F. Short Jr. Widely adopted for courses and also roundly praised in its first edition, Gangs in America, Second Edition now brings together some of the best and latest scholarship on this subject. The revised and updated coverage of the best-selling first edition remains comprehensive, and noted contributors again provide chapters of impressive quality and depth. Beginning with a section that addresses definitional and measurement issues, this collection also offers an assessment of behavioral, ecological, and socioeconomic dimensions of gangs; a discussion of important ethnicity and gender factors; and a presentation of both research and community experience concerning the reciprocal relationships between gangs and their communities. As communities face ever-growing gang-related problems, Gangs in America, Second Edition provides the most up-to-date information on the complex nuances of the issue. This important resource will assist students, scholars, professionals, and officials in their study, practice, and policy making regarding gangs and their activity.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0761902031
• ISBN13: 9780761902034
• Release Date: August 1996
• Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc
• Length: 350 Pages
• Weight: 1.21 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A gang primer in one book

This edited volume provides a balanced approach to gangs that includes defining and measuring gang participation in several urban settings. Special attention is given to the role of ethnicity and gender in gang involvement. Most importantly, the book integrates individual behavioral factors with ecological and socioeconomic dimensions that contribute to an increase in gang activity. The book ends with several case studies of community responses. Edited by one of the leading gang scholars, this is a must read.