Читать книгу The Invisible Woman - Joanne Belknap - Страница 103

A frequently asked question regarding girls in gangs is, “Why would a girl want to join a gang?” Research indicates shared motivations, regardless of gender, for joining gangs (Bjerregaard & Cochran, 2012). Four main reasons that are somewhat overlapping have been identified in research. The primary reason is that gangs provide a sense of belonging (A. Campbell, 1999a; Deschenes & Esbensen, 1999; Fishman, 1999; Joe & Chesney-Lind, 1995; Lauderback et al., 1992; Messerschmidt, 1999; J. Miller, 2001; J. W. Moore, 1999). This overlaps with the second reason, that gangs provide respite from the harsh environments in the neighborhoods, families, and/or schools of many members (Fishman, 1999; L. A. Hughes et al., 2019; Messerschmidt, 1999; J. Miller, 2001). Third, gangs offer safety and protection (A. Campbell, 1999; Fishman, 1999; L. A. Hughes et al., 2019; Messerschmidt, 1999; J. Miller, 2001). Finally, gangs can provide status (Fishman, 1999; Lauderback et al., 1992). Related to belonging and status, a study of largely Latinx youth gangs in Los Angeles indicated a link between Latinx pride and gang membership: Over 90% of the youths reported pride in their Latinx culture (Felkenes & Becker, 1995).

Regardless of gender, living in a neighborhood where gangs are prevalent, is likely one of, if not the, biggest risk factor for gang involvement (Gilman et al., 2014; J. W. Moore, 1991). For example, Joe and Chesney-Lind’s (1999) study of Hawaiian gang members found that for both girls and boys, the gang provides a “social outlet and tonic” for growing up in communities “racked by poverty, racism, and rapid population growth” and lives fraught with boredom due to limited recreational outlets (p. 229). In addition, for both sexes, gang membership provides a sense of family for those youths whose parents are forced (due to the economy) to work numerous hours, or worse, for those youths whose home lives are abusive (p. 229). Similarly, J. W. Moore’s (1999) study of gang members and their families in East Los Angeles reported that, although gang membership serves as a “family” for both genders, given that women gang members are more likely than their male counterparts to report incest histories, more troubled families, living with a chronically sick relative, living with a relative who died, living with a relative who was a heroin addict, and living with a relative who was arrested, gang membership may represent a different peer group outlet and be more of a refuge from family for young women than for young men gang members. Another Los Angeles Latinx gang study also noted that girls reported lower satisfaction/happiness levels regarding their families (Felkenes & Becker, 1995).