Historical Perspectives of Gang Research

Abstract

Systematic study of gangs has been largely confined to this century. Five clear periods of development can be identified, two of them overlapping: 1900-1930—a pioneering period; 1930-1943 —an era emphasizing social causality; 1940-1950—a decade of search for causal factors; 1942-1962—a period of disciplined observation which focused on the dynamics of ganging; 1950-1960—a decade of theorizing. The pioneer period appears to have been the most fertile era; subsequent theory and research largely confirm and extend the pioneers' work. The factor studies made heartening contribu tions ; though stemming from an empirical base with no unifying theory, they showed remarkable congruence in their findings; the observation studies showed less agreement. Studies with a single theoretical base show considerable discord in both theory and research findings. There is little consensus among gang theorists and researchers, and theorists pay little attention to available findings in elaborat ing new theory. There seems to be no "best" theory or research method.