Social on Youth and Youth Gangs - Research Paper Example

Qualitative Social Research on Youth and Youth gangs Qualitative Social Research on Youth and Youth gangs organised groups of self-identified adolescents coming together with a common interest and a leader in those activities that are regarded as illegal to the society are called youth gangs. These gangs have been in existence for the past hundred years in many social settings and cultures. They mostly arise from the urban poor families. Though they participate in activities regarded as menacing to the society, most of their activities remain social and within the law. According to Finn et al. (2001) in UK for example these youth gangs have been on the rise due to certain conditions such as immigration, urbanisation and rapid industrialisation. Youth gangs have been studied in the United States and it has also raised interests in many other regions of the world. In most studies, it has been reported that there is a consistent and robust relationship between elevated delinquency and gang membership. It is also proposed that involvement of youth gangs fulfils the economic needs of youths excluded from the labour market. This study analyses the qualitative research that has been conducted about youth and youth gangs. It will involve analysing the data conducted noting the method used in collecting this data and the limitations faced in the process. The study will finally make clear what criminological dimension is involved in this topic. One of the research conducted involve one of the researches carried out involved youth gangs and the issues they face. It also shows when a group can be referred as a gang. This study involved the significance of the reliable definition of a gang and its connection to crimes linked to a particular gang. The researchers used an example of around 6000 students from middle school to scrutinize the phenomena following gangs and used as wee as membership definitions. The least description involved students who in the future had claimed gang membership and the most restrictive description included students who are currently members of a particular gang and whose members have an organisational structure and are currently involved in illegal acts. The study was based on certain characteristics, hypothetical factors and the intensities of crime that a particular individual report (Judith and Juanjo, 2008). It also addressed the hypothetical and policy suggestion of changing description of gang association. When describing between the conceptual and operational definition, the researchers lacked a definition consensus. They identified two mostly employed targets for evaluating if a particular group is a gang or not. The first assessment used involved the age. It was discovered that most gang members range from 10 to early 20s. The second one was that they engage in law violating behaviour. It was however difficult to agree on what a gang or gang behaviour constitutes. This difficulty has built up several results on gang and public policy linked gang membership. For instance the studies carried out on the degree gang problems undergo certain results such that it accurately states the issue by its right meaning for the question (Winton, 2004). The outcomes also underestimate the problem with the best definition and finally overestimate it if the definition is too broad. Most researches carried out in the 20th century proposed a strategy that let the youths conduct the research themselves. This was important since it recognised the scientific need of discovering what is distinctive more willingly than what is exclusive. The researchers discovered that generally gang groups and subcultures are not coterminous. It was also concluded that gang members it is not only a function of participation in the subculture but of other small cultures such as a community or ethnic group. The study also showed the elements used in defining a social group such as use of symbols, engaging in a common verbal and non-verbal communication, having a sense of good performance in their activities and finally be an identified territory. The effects of altering the description a member of a particular gang depended on one, the extent of gang participation; forecast of the circumstances in this case it was concluded that the method of personality description gave way for a numbers of wannabes (Rev. Panam, 2009). Wannabes are the youths who were interested in joining the gang. There were also the former gang members who had earlier been involved in the act and the final group comprised of currently active gang members. However, a restrictive definition indicated that 70 percent are youths interested in joining the gang, and the present members were twice the previous members. About the self nomination membership, there were several abnormalities in that those present may be motivated to demonstrate their worthiness, the other reason is that the true gang members may not be involved in the research and finally the most criminally active youths may have been absent in school when the survey was been carried out. For the investigators to make successful decisions, a high criterion related validity is used. This criterion shows the relationship connecting hypothetical variables and group memberships. The goal looks at the utility of a gang for theorist and practitioners. The research design of the above study involved selecting a site and sampling. This was in 1995 where students in eighth grade and the study was carried out in 11 cities finished questionnaires which included the National Evaluation of the Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) program. Another sample comprised of 5,935 students in public schools at eighth grade from 42 different schools and 315 classrooms. Joseph (2009) describe that passive parental consent was use at all sites except one. The active consent relied on tolerance as their parents returned permission forms for their children. Those who participated were around 100 percent as the contribution rate ranged from 53 and 75 percent. The limitations involved school based survey since they excluded students in studying in private school. They also included students attending public schools and who were aged 13 to 15. There was a possibility that most students did not attend school when the study was being carried out. It is also a sample of the participants is US. The study generalisation can not be made to entire youths. However, the students belonged to various communities such as, ethnic minorities for example from small cities with considerable racial heterogeneity for example Orlando. There were those from medium sized cities with more whites such as Ohama also from ethnically harmonized city such as Pocatello finally from the rural community where 80 percent of the students are whites this is the Will County. This sample was suitable to the ideal anticipation move demonstrated by GREAT that addressed a communal crisis. The question asked in this study was to determine what a gang is. The methodological approach used did prohibit a straight reply to the study question; nevertheless, the question may ultimately be filtered by researchers as a fundamental for gang rank. The above definition has major consequences on the problems faced by gang members the behaviours of those members. The definition however remained relatively stable in terms of personal characteristics such as age, sex and race. From this study, it can be concluded that personal suggestion is the best method used in evaluating gang membership since it is can differentiate members of a gang from the rest. (Bill, 2008) describe that research on gang relies on the participant observation method of obtaining data. This helps in understanding data in depth and also the dynamics of gang structure basing on a limited sample of gangs, gang members or the phenomena. The gang member is usually not the most reliable source of information. This is because these members have partial knowledge on the group's activities and are biased to explain those activities. The ethnographer study provided valuable insight into the nature and the process of certain gangs. His research was conducted by going to the streets and talking to the youth gangs. He observer their behaviours and at times found himself participating in the experiences faced by gang members. This approach however had a number of limitations in that it did not quite develop an adequate understanding of the gang problem. The study also did not show what to do in terms of community structure, policy control against the formation of gangs, ameliorate or how to prevent it. He mainly focused on what the members say, do or believe. The other limitation is that the focus was not systematically based on the interests and the reaction of family members, school administration, neighbourhood or the law. The study does not create awareness that the community could also be a contributing reason to the formation of gangs. This study shows that self- report surveys should be left to the youths to define themselves as gang members. Though it may not be effective as youths may define themselves as gang members yet they are church member who do not involve themselves in any deviant behaviour. The study did not estimate that most people change from being members thus the problem is over-exaggerated. Another study conducted since 1960s is where the local televisions evolved by satisfying regulations that required broadcasters to provide information to the viewers about their communities. According to Ailsa (2009) pervasiveness of the local television news highlights the importance of studying groups and individuals. The other reason is the demographics associated with a particular segment of population and in this case the youths. Since the Mexican American community comprises of a young generation, then the media representation apply to a large number of people. The media account show that youth gangs are a societal curse and so have to be abolished. Some of the limitation of this study is that television reports that there is an increasing involvement in youth gangs however studies show that the number has remained stable over the years. It is also true that most gang members do not involve themselves in violent behaviour as the news has always reported. The other limitation is that gang members from troubled homes in Mexican American will never join a gang. The other qualitative study involved youth gangs found in an English city the social execution, in take of drugs and violence. The study had been planned seven years ago in the UK. This was due to the increasing attention towards gangs; there were also historical accounts that suggested that gangs had long existed in the UK. Goodey (1997) shows the other reason that led to the study was that many practitioners and policymakers had denied about the gang problem which resulted to inadequate theoretical understanding. One of the objectives of this study was to produce a study based on ethnographic account of contemporary street gangs in UK. This objective was met as the fieldwork was conducted successfully though there were problems of accessing some locations. The other objective was to contribute to a theoretical understanding of gangs. The researchers concluded that they had contributed to the theorising about gangs in various ways which included; focusing on young people, they found out how official responses may reinforce widespread assumptions about ethnicity and gangs. Findings about the rich indicated a multilayered relationship between gangs and their communities. The third objective is to understand the appropriate ethical procedures for conducting a research with delinquent youth. This developed protocols of maintaining the security of digital qualitative data through interviewing and ensuring personnel safety. The researchers also aimed at establishing a dataset that could be employed for cross national comparison. This objective was partially met as ethnic sensitivity requires a substantial anonymisation that can only impoverish data. Providing relevant information to policy makers and practitioners on ways of eradicating youth groups was the other objective proposed. This was met as the researchers organised national conferences for dissemination. The final objective was to develop a proposal that was to be submitted to the European Commission Framework Programme (ESRC) for a cross national research on youth gangs. The methods used to conduct this research included observation, focus groups, individual interviews and administrative data so as to contextualise qualitative findings. The original design was altered according to the research city, the nature of the groups and accessibility. Six different areas were studied and managed accessing six different gangs. These groups differed in terms of longevity, ethnic composition, public profile and to some extent their type of criminal involvement. It was found out that leaving a gang was a gradual process that incorporated both subjective and behavioural changes. 40 gang members, 21 key informants and 46 associates were interviewed. The consequences of the study involved changes found in the formal and informal economies, the spread of youth cultural styles, accessibility to real and replica guns and the use of the term gang by authority and the media has contributed to changes in youth gangs. However, the survey failed to find a relationship between ethnicity and gang membership. The gang members also did not specialise on violence but it played an important role especially in symbolism and rhetoric. Drug dealing was found to be very rare. Both female and males were involved at equal levels and that most members were raised by one parent or relative and most likely a female. However, the researchers faced two unanticipated ethical problems. One, a laptop containing digital voice files of recorded interviews was stolen after a break in. Two, was the problem of anonymising interview transcripts early to improve security. The other study conducted involved; violent youth gangs in Madrid: Socialisation and culturalisation. The objectives of this study was to explore the youths involved in violent gangs with the aim of understanding the indoctrination, cultures and socialisation processes. The study also examined the dynamics between peer pressure and social factors such as family, work or dating relationships. The methods used to collect this data involved a qualitative analysis of interviewing 40 youths belonging to a gang. The results were based according to the theories of primary socialisation and differential socialisation over that of violent group. In reference to parental support and supervision, three family types were associated with the problem. The distinct social identity of violent youths in addition to their self image and self esteem were identified as highly predictive. In conclusion, the study outlined the usefulness of re-imposing essential philosophical epistemology as well as methodologies on social forces. This is by integrating key elements to postmodern and opposing perspectives. The other study conducted was about Youth gangs: drug use, sexual behaviour, and violence and HIV risk. The studies questions were involved how behaviours associated with youth gang members for example the use of drugs, violence and involvement of sexual activities at a tender age. In answering this, the researchers had to address the following; one, developing an epidemiologic description about the distribution of drugs, sexual risk and violence. The other aim was to expand on the ethno- epidemiological methods for sampling and comparing different gang members. The final aim was to describe HIV risk in relation to the use of drugs among youth members. The data was collected through in-depth interviews of 60 youths between July 2006 and December 2007 in three different geographical areas around Los Angeles. The interviews were planned by specialists working with high risk youths within CBOs. There were 54 males ranging from 16- 25 years of mixed races. It was found out that unsafe sexual act, drug use and violence were pervasive among the sample group. Most of the interviewed youths were sexually active and most had started the act at 9 years with a mean of 13.5 years. The youths also mentioned that they had been involved in fights 21 times and many said the fights were too many to count. Almost all of them had used marijuana and alcohol and some confessed that they had used marijuana 30 days ago. One-third reported using ecstasy, crack cocaine and powder cocaine. The sample reported non-medical use of prescription drugs for example opiates. Three-fourth reported mixing drugs for instance marijuana and alcohol. The study was not faced with many limitations as members were free to tell their experiences. There was another research conducted about Youth, Gang and the violence involved in terms of examining the social mobility of youths in Guatemala City. This research focused on young people's well-being. These people live in low- income environment in Guatemala City. The city is highly populated and lacks enough basis services and few services for instance schools and health centers. There are very few chances of getting a job and so most delinquencies are reported. The study was carried out in 2000 by a broad approach. 250 youths participated and among them 127 were women. The youths' ages ranged 9 - 23 and most of them were youths. The study took place in schools, homes, youth groups and snowballing. Other discussions took place in the streets though this method did not record effective results due to security reasons. It was found giving various alternative forms of expression was necessary in researching the youths. The research also involved a frame work which incorporated 61 dialogue groups that mostly based on drawing diagrams. Tools for example maps, charts and drawings were utilized in order to discover and confer certain troubles and thoughts. The members were divided into groups of four so as to one, gain considerate variety of concern raised that affect participants lives and the entire society in general. Two, to be able to investigate the rising problems in order of priorities as the participant had wanted to conduct their study. Moreover, 20 other youths were given cameras so as to catch pictures of the participating community, places and people who were important to them. This framework gave the youth an alternative in their participation and thus allowed insemination of the data. It was found out that violence led to the segregation of members of a community and more so the youths. Public violence was seen as a major effect in the nature of interaction and thus it reinforces identity of gang member's social group (Gibson et al., 1991). There are various ethical issues that confront social scientists. These include; confidentiality, informed consent, harms and benefits and finally relationships. Criminology features prominently in social science research methodology collections. In relation to confidentiality, it is discovered that before people agree to be investigated, they first negotiate the terms and conditions. The information given should therefore be private and confidential and it is willingly accessible to the researcher in assurance. In criminology, the person carrying out the research approaches potential participants and asks for confidential information in exchange of a small direct benefit. If this is not observed, participants will be reluctant to reveal secrets therefore people should maintain secrets by deciding who should know about them. The researcher should also be faithful and should meet the participant's expectations. State and Federal privacy laws attempt to defend the seclusion of individual information. The other element important in criminology is privacy. Federal privacy laws have always attempted to guard personal information. Data is obtained inexpensively and without placing any burden to the participants (Walklate, 1998). It has been reported by various criminologists and sociologists that HRECs for example, from La Trobe and Sydney universities have prevented researchers from making direct contact with the respondents Valentine (1996). This research method is known as snowballing and has played a part in the developing research in the sociology of deviance. The policies directs that active snow balling whereby participants volunteer their participants directly in unacceptable. However some researchers argue that the method has been implemented at some costs to participants. For instance one student examining violence in a small community had permission to approach members through intermediaries. The members of the community however were offended by the use of third party. Gabardine et al. (2002) says that criminologists are public figures who discuss their study with other colleagues. Informed consent is another element used in criminology for example in Australia; the law necessitates researchers to attain a voluntary permission of contributors unlike when the issue is specific or in defined circumstances. The researchers should ensure that the participants understand what the study is all about, the nature and should give them time to negotiate the consent of the matter. This regulation protects the interests and the autonomy of vulnerable groups (Durst, 2001). This principle of informed consent applies on the basis that participants are entitled to know what they are getting themselves into. They should therefore be informed about any danger, discomfort, and possible outcome of the study. It is important to have participants who are literate and high levels of linguistic ability. In the case of humanities and social research projects where the risk of physical harm is low, HRECs should ensure that the privacy of the participants is not overridden by the social value when the findings are published. In harms and benefits, it is expected for every researcher to minimise harms at any time. In fact they are expected to promote the participants well-being as well as maximising benefits to the society. Harm in this case is the psychological distress, social discomfort, invasion of privacy or the infringement of participant's rights. For example victims of domestic violence have been re-victimised by their partners because of participating in a survey that exposed their partners. Researchers should try to adopt risk minimisation strategies and exclude vulnerable individuals from participating. Other elements involve researcher safety and conflicts of interest. It is not surprising that most criminologists have always found difficulty in responding to these bureaucratic and ethical challenges. References Ailsa, W. (2009).Youth, gangs and violence: Analysing the social and spatial mobility of young people in Guatemala City. Department of Geography, London: University of London. Bill, S. (2008).Youth gangs: Drug use, sexual behavior, violence, and HIV risk. Los Angeles: California State University. Durst, J. (2001). Crime & delinquency, 47(1), Sage Publications. pp. 105-130. Finn, E., Thomas, L., Winfree, Jr., Ni He., Terrance, J. (2001). Youth gangs and definitional issues: When is a gang a gang, and why does it matter? Gabardine, J., Bradshaw, C. & Vorrasi, J.A. (2002). Mitigating the effects of youth gun violence on children and youth, The Future of Children. 12(2), pp. 73–85. Gibson, K., Nthabiseng, M. & Friedlander, R. (1991). Some preliminary ideas about the meaning of violence for children living in Alexandra. Johannesburg, 12–14 September 1991. Viewed 23 January 2003. . Goodey, J. (1997). Boys don’t cry: masculinities, fear of crime and fearlessness, British Journal of Criminology. 37 (3), pp. 401–418. Joseph, P. (2009). Social science research on the role and impact of forensic evidence on the criminal justice process. Los Angeles: California State University. Judith, A. & Juanjo, M. (2008). Youth gangs in an English city: Social exclusion, drugs and violence. University of Manchester. Rev. Panam, S., (2009). Violent youth gangs in Madrid: Socialization and culturalization. 26(2), pp. 128-136.  Valentine, G. (1996). Angels and devils: Moral landscapes of childhood, environment and planning D: Society and space. (14), Pp. 581–599. Walklate, S. (1998). Crime and community: fear or trust? British Journal of Sociology. 49(4), pp. 550–569. Winton, A. (2004). Urban violence: a guide to the literature, Environment and Urbanisation.16 (2), pp. 165–184. Winton, A. (2004). Young people’s views on how to tackle gang violence in ‘post-conflict’ Guatemala: Environment and Urbanisation. 16(2), pp. 83–99. Read More