Youth Gangs in American Society

I found this to be one of the most informative books about understanding the gang concept in America. Howerver, it also helped me to debunk the same myths about gang and agang structure as well. This book made me look at gangs as an alternative economic choice for those involved in the gangs and the difficult choices that many of them face that those on the outside of the gang life will never have to make.I would rate this book on a list of must reads for anyone interested in a study of criminal justice.

This book is by far one of the most innovative and insightful books that I have read in some time. They also challenge the more common images that gangs represent as well. I found myself questioning the basic reasons for there are gangs in America, and found myself finding a whole new perspectie as these people view their dscieion to be in a gang as an economic choice of survival, not that of one they get into because they have a choice.I recommend this book STRONGLY for all students of Criminal Justice.

Shelden and colleagues do an excellent job in analyzing the literature, from Thrasher to present, on gangs and the culture surrounding them. They critically examine statistical data and use several sociological theories in an attempt to better understand this growing societal phenomena. The original research from the Detroit area interviews is compelling. Certainly a book that would aid anyone's understanding of gangs, gang culture, or even graffiti (they use photographs to help explain this). Scholars looking for a book as a supplemental text in Delinquency or like courses would find this book a great asset!