Gangs and Delinquency in Developmental Perspective (Cambridge Studies in Criminology) - Softcover

Thornberry, Terence P.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521891299 ISBN 13: 9780521891295

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2003

Synopsis

Gang membership has long been understood to have a disruptive influence on adolescent development and to contribute disproportionately to the rate of delinquent crime. The nature of the impact, and the long-term effects on individuals, have not been well understood. This book uses longitudinal data to examine the developmental consequences of gang membership, and its longer term influence on the life course. This longitudinal approach is made possible by data from a study of antisocial behavior, The Rochester Youth Development Study, which followed one thousand adolescents through their early adult years. The subjects include delinquents who were gang members and others who were not, allowing the authors to compare motives, patterns of behavior, and recurring problems with caregivers and the law, education, peer relations, and career paths. The findings indicate that multiple developmental deficits lead to gang membership and that membership leads to an increase in delinquency.

About this title

Review

'... an impressive 16-year investigation into gang membership in Rochester, New York.' Youth & Policy

'I would predict that this book will be cited frequently in future research on gangs, for the authors have provided a rich variety of data on the subject.' Urban Studies

Book Description

This book examines how membership in adolescent street gangs influences human development. The authors examine the origins of gang membership and the social and psychological factors that lead some youths to join a gang. They show that gang membership increases the chances of developmental problems.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521891299
• ISBN 13: 9780521891295
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 262