Gangland Britain? Realities, fantasies and industry

Abstract

Few issues attract greater concern and censure than those that surround youth 'gangs'. Paradoxically, youth researchers have conventionally been reluctant to even use the term 'gang' but, more recently, such reluctance has receded. Indeed, it is increasingly claimed that - in particular urban 'territories' - youth gangs are commonplace, some young people are deeply immersed in violence and the carrying and use of weapons (particularly knives and firearms) is routine. Furthermore, populist discourse and media reporting even imply that 'crisis' conditions afflict identifiable groups of young people in urban locales. Alongside such concern and censure, contemporary policy formation and practice developments are placing greater emphasis upon strategies and modes of intervention ostensibly designed to 'break the cycle' and, it is claimed, offset young people's progress towards involvement in 'gang' activity and/or serious organised adult crime. Comprising a series of essays from leading national and international researchers, this book subjects such claims to rigorous critical scrutiny. It provides a challenging and authoritative account of complex questions pertaining to urban youth identities, crime and social order. This book locates the question of 'gangs' in both historical and contemporary contexts. It engages a spectrum of theoretical perspectives and analytical positions. It presents and analyses cutting-edge empirical research. It addresses a range of previously neglected questions, including those pertaining to girls, young women and 'gangs'. The volume provides a vital resource for researchers, educators, policy-makers and practitioners with an interest in key questions facing criminology, sociology and social policy.