Gangs

Differing Definitions

Probably the biggest challenge to researchers, anti-gang practitioners, and policy makers alike is that there is no standard or widely accepted definition of the word gang. Because there are so many competing definitions, any discussion or collaboration between different groups suffers; there is no common vocabulary. Communication is hindered by muddled comparisons and lack of terminological clarity. This confusion in definitions and concepts contributes to greater problems in trying to understand the prolific growth of gangs from the 1990s onward. Furthermore, this confusion contributes to the difficulty building consensus around the most effective anti-gang strategies. This definitional problem raises the question of which comes first: Does gang membership push youth into criminal activity, or does criminal activity push youth into gang membership? Because the concepts underlying membership in gangs are similar to the concepts underlying membership in other social organizations, the result is contradictory definitions and conflicting problem-solving approaches.

Every group involved in solving the gang “problem” agrees that there is a need for a universally accepted definition that would serve as a basis for action, policy, and research. However, this is where agreement ends. Depending on the perspective, the definition of gangs and gang membership differs.

Definitions derived from criminal justice and law enforcement diverge from those utilized in the social sciences and comprehensive academic approach. Although there is some strong overlap between these definitions, each is distinct. Criminal justice definitions focus on violations of the law. Academic definitions focus on the structure and motivation behind gang behavior. Additionally, there is frequently little agreement [Page 416]on definitions at the federal, state, and local levels of government; laws and policies developed at different levels conflict.