Do Risk Factors for Gang Involvement Vary by Country of Birth?

• In Event: Innovations in Gang Research

Abstract

This study examines whether risk and protective factors associated with gang membership among a sample of Maryland Hispanic students enrolled in middle school and high school differ by the respondents’ country of origin. Preliminary results obtained from self-administered questionnaires indicated that youth who were born in Central American countries have a higher number of risk factors and are significantly more likely to be in a gang as compared to youth from other countries.

Authors

• L. Sergio Garduno, Florida State University

• Julie Brancale, Western Carolina University