How Can We Prevent Girls From Joining Gangs?

• NCJ Number: 243473
• Date Published: 2013
• Author(s): Meda Chesney-Lind
• Length: 14 pages
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Issue Overview; Instructional Material

Annotation

This chapter identifies risk factors that increase the likelihood that girls will be drawn to gangs and proposes steps that can prevent them from joining gangs.

Abstract

Data indicate that girls are in gangs in fairly large numbers in the United States, possibly constituting one-quarter to one-third of all youth gang members. Although girls join gangs for many of the same reasons as boys, they are more likely than boys to regard a gang as a surrogate family. Most girls join mixed-sex gangs that are run by boys whose attitudes about girls, sexuality, and gender roles create distinctive risks and harms for girls in gang life. Strategies and programs intended to prevent youth from joining gangs must address issues that are unique to girls and the contexts that place them at risk for joining a gang. Such strategies should include a focus on preventing sexual abuse, strengthening family relationships, making them feel safe in their neighborhoods, preventing substance abuse and involvement with abusive boyfriends, and improving their understanding of the consequences of early sexual activity and parenthood. Other efforts designed to prevent youth from joining gangs are similar for both boys and girls. They include improving the quality of public education, helping them stay in school, and providing youth in disadvantaged neighborhoods safety in schools and on the streets. 2 tables and 63 chapter notes