The chapter examines the differences between gang and non-gang girls in factors related to gang membership and violent behavior as well as the prevalence and incidence of violent behavior in a multivariate sample of eighth-grade students. Adolescent female gang members differed from non-gang girls in background, behavior and attitudes. They were more likely to be non-white and to come from households without both parents. Gang girls were not as closely attached to their family members and felt more socially isolated. They were not monitored as closely by their parents and thus had the opportunity to engage in gang activities. Female gang members appeared to have different perceptions of their future opportunities than those who had not joined gangs. Believing they had limited educational opportunities, they were not committed to school and did not associate as often with pro-social peers who might steer them away from criminal activities. Gang girls, like their male counterparts, had a higher degree of commitment to negative peers, were more likely to report they were victims and were engaged in violent behavior. Tables
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