Citation

Kei-ho Pih K, Mao J. J. Gang Res. 2005; 12(4): 59-72.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, National Gang Crime Research Center)

DOI

Article

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In criminology and sociology, Asian youth gangs and gang related delinquency has been largely regarded as the result of structural disadvantage and adjustment problems in old ethnic enclaves. In other words, Asian gangs, particularly Asian immigrant gangs were frequently contextualized as a problem limited to old ethnic enclaves in inner city areas. Contrary to this perception, gang activity is observed in Southern California suburban cities with economically affluent residents. This ongoing research focuses on Taiwanese immigrant gang youths in several upper-middle class suburban Taiwanese communities in Southern California. Unlike the typical gang member, the vast majority of our respondents are privileged in their economic and social standings. They are also successful in their academic pursuits. The preliminary results of the study contradict significantly with the mainstream structure-based gang theories.

Keywords: Juvenile justice