Handgun Carrying and Transitions Through the Gang

• In Event: Gang- and Group-based Offending and Victimization

Abstract

It is known that gang members carry firearms more frequently than non-gang members, and that gang membership onset is associated with an increased frequency of carrying firearms. No research, however, has examined within-individuals’ variations in the likelihood and frequency of carrying firearms as youth enter a gang, continue in a gang, and leave the gang. The present study uses mixed-effects models to analyze seven waves of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth-1997 (NLSY97) to explore whether within-individuals’ probabilities and frequency of carrying a handgun vary as individuals join a gang, continue in the gang, and leave the gang. Results indicate that within-individuals’ likelihood and frequency of carrying a handgun significantly increase as individuals join and continue in a gang. Leaving the gang, however, has no effect on within-individuals’ likelihood or frequency of carrying a handgun. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Author

• L. Sergio Garduno, Troy University