Gang-Related Gun Violence

Stretesky, Paul and Pogrebin, Mark R. (2007) Gang-Related Gun Violence. Journal of Contemporary Ethnography, 36 (1). pp. 85-114. ISSN 0891-2416

Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract

Few studies have examined how violent norms are transmitted in street gangs. The purpose of this research is to add to the gang-related literature by examining socialization as the mechanism between street gang membership and violence. To explore this issue, we draw upon in-depth interviews with twenty-two inmates convicted of gang-related gun violence. We find that the gangs are important agents of socialization that help shape a gang member's sense of self and identity. In addition, inmates reported to us that whereas guns offered them protection, they were also important tools of impression management that helped to project and protect a tough reputation. Our findings provide greater insight into the way gang socialization leads to gun-related violence and has implications for policies aimed at reducing that violence.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	gang socialization, gang violence, gun use, gang identity, reputation, masculinity, respect
Subjects:	C800 Psychology L300 Sociology M900 Other in Law
Department:	Faculties > Arts, Design and Social Sciences > Social Sciences
Depositing User:	Paul Burns
Date Deposited:	12 Mar 2018 13:42
Last Modified:	11 Oct 2019 21:32
URI:	http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/33688

Downloads