Youth Gang Involvement and Gender: The Role of Neighborhood Crime and Age of Entry into Gangs

• In Event: Posters II

Abstract

This study examined 1831 middle and high school students with a mean age of 14.5 (SD = 1.36). The majority of the respondents 70% were Hispanic/Latino. Thirteen percent of respondents were African American and 10.5% were Caucasian. Almost 15% of the sample (n = 258, 14.1%) stated they had at one time belonged to a gang. Of the 258 who stated they had belonged to a gang at one time n = 121 stated they currently belonged to a gang and 112 did not (25 did not respond). In an effort to distinguish differences among groups, two 2 (currently gang member or not) X 2 (gender) ANOVAs were conducted using neighborhood crime (i.e., fights, crime, empty buildings, graffiti) and age first entry into a gang. Results found those who lived in more crime ridden neighborhoods were more likely to report they were currently a gang member and current gang members entered into a gang approximately one year later than those who were no longer in a gang. The results of this study found no difference in participant gender effects or interaction effects. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.

Authors

• Kiana Stokes, Pennsylvania State University, Berks

• Brenda L. Russell, Pennsylvania State University, Berks