Gangs, Drugs and Youth Adversity

Abstract

In Glasgow, street gangs have existed for decades, with knife crime becoming a defining feature. More than a decade on from the author's original fieldwork, this book explores the transitional experiences of some of the young men the author worked with, as well as the experiences of today's young people and the practitioners who work to support them. The book begins with a critical examination of recent statistical trends relating to violent criminality and offensive weapon-handling in Scotland, and it provides a brief history of street gangs in Glasgow. It moves on to discuss how knife crime has traditionally been a defining feature of street gangs in Glasgow and of street-oriented violence governed by expectations around masculine honour. It also explores insights into the recorded motivations for knife-carrying and gang violence among young people. The book discusses how a public health approach to violence prevention has been put in place in Scotland over the last 10–15 years and highlights the voices of teenagers and young people, considering the difficulties they face today. Through empirical data, policy analysis, and contemporary insights, the book explores the evolving nature of gangs, and the contemporary challenges affecting young people including drug distribution, football-related bigotry, and the mental health repercussions emerging from social media.