an attempt to escape the pressure and constant struggle in members' lives. "That's a really big thing out here, reefer. I mean everybody get high" (Campbell, 1984, p. 225). In most gangs, however, use of intensely addictive drugs such as heroin is not allowed among members, as "addicts are not acceptable gang members (because they) cannot be counted upon" (Horowitz, 1983, p. 182). Hence, most of the gang's recreational activities include hanging out, waiting for something exciting to happen, talking, relating as a peer group, and using softer drugs such as alcohol and marijuana.
Highly publicized through the media, consistent violence-murders, fights, and threats--permeates gang behavior and
interaction. A 1972 Los Angeles county survey reported a death toll of 33 young people in one year, with at least one half of these deaths "directly attributable to inter-gang violence" (Moore, 1978, p. 38). By the mid-1970's, deaths resulting from gang warfare had become common occurrences. Brutality of gang fights has reached immense proportions as gang members are able to obtain guns with relative ease. Guns have become the great equalizer among street gang youth, these weapons encouraging more conflicts to terminate in death rather than physical injury. Violence is a major interactive mode for gangs.
The characteristics and nature of poor, slum communities necessitate violent behavior for many residents. The distrust and fear among the people living in these areas result from constant uncertainty regarding others' personalities and intentions. Hence, there exists a "steady appeal to force where familiarity and exceptional signs of trustworthiness or power do not furnish a clear indication of one's future safety" (Suttles, 1968, p. 125). Violence is a means to protect oneself and the gang from potential harm by rival gang members who would cause collective attacks.
Violence behavior is also used as a manner in which memb...