Life-course events, social networks, and the emergence of violence among female gang members

摘要

Using data gathered from a multi-year field study, this article identifies specific life-course events shared by gang-affiliated women. Gangs emerge as a cultural adaptation or pro-social community response to poverty and racial isolation. Through the use of a social-network approach, data show that violence dramatically increases in the period between gang affiliation and first pregnancy and decreases with pregnancy and childbirth. Policy recommendations addressing the delivery of services are offered within the context of gang women's personal networks.