Discusses how one college professor incorporated the voices of marginalized students into her course, "Race, Culture, and Class." Ex-gang member students were invited to participate in an ethnographic research project in which they interviewed gang members from their communities and shared findings with their more privileged classmates.…

Argues that communities can employ numerous measures to prevent gangs from controlling their neighborhoods. Causes and theoretical explanations of gang formation are discussed, as well as the impact of black gangs in African American communities, and public policy considerations. It is concluded that, with an entire community effort, gangs can be…

This qualitative research examined risk-taking behavior among Mexican American adolescent girls who are not formal gang members but are associated with male gangs. Findings illustrate how outcomes associated with sexual relations, partying, substance use, and crime vary according to the girl's relationship with the male gang and status within the…

Presents interview with 14-year-old gang member and student classified as Severe Behavior Handicapped the day before he was to appear in court. Student explains how he became gang member, feelings toward rival gangs, selling drugs, the trouble he had gotten into, and his feelings about gangs in general. (NB)

The ravages of illegal drugs and gangs are growing discernibly worse in many American cities. Schools and school boards are going to have to sustain hope by finding the courage to oppose youth violence, gang terrorism, and drug trafficking and consumption. (MLF)

Narrates a young inmate's story of prison life. Describes how he was imprisoned at age 13 and was soon transferred to an adult prison. Discusses feelings of isolation and the brutal life of prisoners. Presents ideas on why youth join gangs and the importance of a warm, family environment. (RJM)

Examined the influence of gang membership on rates of participation in sexual activity, substance use, and violence among African American adolescent girls. Found that gang members had higher participation rates in all three risk behaviors. (JPB)

The process of growth often takes many years and is characterized by progress interrupted with setbacks. Beneath the most troubled exterior, one can find youth with great potential. This article presents the account of a gang youth and his mentor tracks the rocky pathway from problems to responsible maturity.

The effects of a positive peer culture program upon the moral development of "youths in distress" within the framework of street-corner gangs was measured. Moral-development measures indicated a positive effect upon the participants, and for some moral indices, on their friends' moral development. (Author/LMO)

Presents data from the mid-1960s regarding Black male delinquents' reports regarding female participation in delinquent activities and female influence on suppressing delinquent activities. (Author/DB)

To cope with the increasing problem of crime in the schools, principals must be part sociologist, part security technologist, part human relations expert, and part curriculum innovator. (Author/JM)

To fight gang activity, an Ohio school system took the lead in forming a coalition consisting of representatives from 25 community groups and agencies. Actions have included providing school-based intervention and training at the high school, and establishing an intelligence link between the schools and local law enforcement. (MLF)

Assesses whether students possess information about gangs that could be useful to primary and secondary education providers. A sample of 193 inner-city high school students, representative in terms of ethnicity, gender, and grade level, completed questionnaires. The data revealed that students are a feasible source of data on gangs. (GLR)

Presents a lesson plan for teaching about gangs and the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Includes a handout and discussion questions and identifies sources for further reading. (SG)

Orange County's public policy responses to youth gangs have involved overt suppression or educational interventions directed at ethnic minorities, particularly Chicanos. Such approaches overlook the multiethnic nature of gang violence and ignore the problem's roots--emerging economic, demographic, and residential patterns that produce…