Gang-related crime: the social, psychological and behavioral correlates

Abstract

This study examined the behavioral, social and psychological factors associated with gang-related crime. By comparing group crime committed by non-gang youth and gang members, this study sought to identify the kinds of criminal activity gang members engage in and identify the specific characteristics that differentiate gang-related crime from other group crimes. We found that gangs map out their territory with graffiti and intimidate others via threats. We also found that high levels of individual delinquency and the presence of neighborhood gangs were significant predictors of gang-related crime. Contrary to our expectations, the perceived importance of social status, moral disengagement and anti-authority attitudes did not predict gang-related crime; however, further analyses showed that the perceived importance of social status and high levels of moral disengagement predicted gang-related crime with anti-authority attitudes acting as mediator. These findings highlight a need to examine more closely, the psychological and social factors that contribute to gang membership and gang-related crime.