Gender and Gang Membership: Testing Theories to Account for Different Rates of Participation

• NCJ Number: 239493
• Journal: Journal of Gang Research Volume: 19 Issue: 2 Dated: Winter 2012 Pages: 25-32
• Author(s): David Brownfield
• Date Published: 2012
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study identified the factors that might influence differing rates of gang membership for males and females.

Abstract

There was a modest yet significant correlation between gender and gang membership, with males being more likely than females to join gangs. Factors that may explain this gender-related difference in gang membership were drawn from a review of three criminological theories: social control theory, differential association, and opportunity theory. Control theories view the pursuit of risk as a cause of delinquency. Risk-taking or thrill-seeking has been hypothesized to be a motive for joining gangs or involvement in group delinquency (Warr, 2002). Differential- association theorists have emphasized peer relationships and the acquisition of deviant "definitions" that justify or encourage crime and delinquency. Several criminological theories have pointed to opportunity to commit crimes as an essential causal factor. Study findings are consistent with all three of the criminological theories. Males and females had differing levels of correlation with factors associated with each of the three theories. Peer delinquency was one of the strongest correlates of gang membership; peer delinquency was significantly correlated with gender, with fewer female respondents involved in friendships with offenders. Attachment to parents and teachers was a significant correlate of gang membership, and females had higher levels of such attachment compared to males. Cocaine use was positively correlated with gang membership. Gender was a significant correlate of cocaine use, with fewer female than male cocaine users. Data for these analyses were obtained from a 2008 survey conducted in a large metropolitan area in Canada. A total of 521 respondents completed questionnaires. The survey was conducted in an area know to local police for frequent and significant gang activity; this ensured an adequate number of subjects with a gang affiliation. 2 tables and 13 references