This research study explored the interrelationships between street gang membership and the family. Both the effects of street gang membership on the family and the characteristics and actions of families that either motivate, fail to deter, or serve as positive deterrents to street gang membership were examined in this study. Further, strategies were sought that may better enable families to deal with such problems.
The purpose of this research study was to develop information that can assist families in dealing with street gang membership, either actual or potential. The findings and conclusions of this study, it is hoped, will enable increasing numbers of families to develop effective strategies to both deter street gang membership, and recover from situations wherein family members join street gangs.
The research performed for this study relied on the review and assessment of relevant information available in the literature. Thus, the findings of this study, while valuable additions to the literature on the interrelationship between street gang membership and families, are limited to the extent that they are not be based on experimental research.
The research method employed in this study was a literature survey. The survey reviewed the most contemporary literature available that was related to the research problem. The literature reviewed was assessed within a qualitative context with respect to the research problem investigated. The qualitative criteria were developed through the traditional review of literature related to the research problem. The findings if this study indicated that it is all too easy and simple minded to state that contemporary street gangs coalesced around the illegal drug trade. Contemporary street gangs, it was found, represent far more than just an outlet for the energy of the young. More than anything else, these gangs provide a place to belong for groups of young people who are disaffec...